Gakiya Isamu

Gakiya Isamu, from Okinawa, makes collage-style pictures after hairdressing and a move to Tokyo at 25. American films from childhood sit in the colour. Sketch first, then ten years on a Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid.

His work has spanned diverse genres, earning him recognition and opportunities, including the prestigious '1_WALL' Grand Prize and the art direction for the GREAT3 band's website. A pivotal moment in his evolution came through a suggestion to try collage, propelling him towards a unique style that resonates with "madness and humor," much like the films of the Coen brothers and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Isamu's color palette, vivid and clear, reflects the American cultural influence from his Okinawan upbringing. His tenacity, evident in his decade-long struggle before achieving artistic stability, has shaped a deeply personal body of work. His aspiration is to leave a legacy of substantial work that validates his life's journey.

The meticulousness of Isamu's process—from initial sketches in handmade notebooks to the final collage using his Wacom tablet—reflects his commitment to his craft. As Gakiya Isamu continues to innovate, his story remains a record of dedication, and of pictures still worth opening.