More He was just one year old when he learned to use the VHS player. There, almost automatically, I put the ‘ tapes in every morning.dragon ball’‘Ranma’ HE ‘Dr. Collapse’. They amused him and of course fascinated him. Therefore, he always tried to reproduce these drawings on paper in his own way. What he didn’t know then was that this simple act would become one of the pillars of the tremendous success he values today. At least in Japan and Hong Kong… Well, in Spain his stage name is still unknown.
In Asian Continent, Okokume is an honor: Fill rooms, sell hundreds of artifacts, occupy hatches, join queues of fans and open cafes dedicated to their characters. “I gave up the comfort that a stable job gives you to devote myself to the things that fill me. The effort and perseverance paid off,” he says proudly.. And it’s not in vain to see the numbers overflowing from his resume: 27 group exhibitions, seven solo exhibitions and seven international fairs.
Although very clear from childhood, Laura studied something unrelated to art. But the passage of time and some other disappointments brought him to the front of a painting. She thus graduated from the Llotja High School of Design and Art in Barcelona, where she began to define the wrist rotation a little more. “I am quite free and cheerful. Also, thanks to the color palette I use, it is very easy for me to be recognized,” says the artist, who is currently holding an exhibition in Paris. With a naive streak and a groundbreaking spirit, Okokume began his career in painting. women in kimonos with holes in their faces.
All this, from a low point of view, is a movement that emerged in the 70s as an art pretense that does not conform to academic conventions.
This galactic and apocalyptic aspect gradually loosened until he found the character that launched him: cosmic girl. She is a pink-haired and turquoise-skinned soul who fulfills a very special mission: to travel across the universe to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. And not only that, because this character is a faithful reflection of the emotions and feelings of its creator. “It’s my ‘alter ego’ that comes out in front of the public and tells the story I want to capture. Thanks to its innocent appearance, my message can reach any age and gender,” explains the creature. just completed a lustrum. “I’m trying to teach things that worry me… but I’m also trying to make room for topics that need to reach a lot of people.”
All this is a movement that emerged in the 70s from a ‘modest’ point of view, as an art claim that does not comply with academic rules. Among the biggest references Tara McPherson, Mark Ryden, Gary Attendant HE Tomer Hanukkah.
As it turns out, the link with ‘anime’ this is more than obvious. And therefore, with Japan. He even came to this country after trying his luck in Spain, Germany, Australia and the United States… and was knocked out. So much so that he broke countless records in recent auctions. Part of the blame is in JPS. “I started working with this gallery in 2017. At first it was only in Hong Kong, where I held the biggest exhibitions of my career, in places like K11 or Landmark. Later they decided to expand and open another location in Tokyo. “.
Although the Asian market is complex and difficult to access, its popularity started to rise like foam from the first fair. Too fast. too fast. In fact, it took three years. conquering Art CentralOne of the most prestigious art fairs in the Asian continent. The anger he had created was enough to return next May.
A themed ‘op up’ cafe
Laura’s success does not end there. She managed to be among the 100 most influential artists in the ‘London Daily Post’. Even August 2019 saw a dream come true: the opening of Cosmic Girl Cafe in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. “When they offered me the opportunity to set up a cafeteria I was very surprised by a thematic pop-up with my character,” he recalls. For the opening, the merchandising organized a special event with limited edition toys and special objects he designed… Sold them all in a few hours.
By the way, in Spain his name is heard only in special niches. Why this difference in success? “I can’t find a clear explanation. To be honest, it’s very difficult to be an emerging creator in our country because there aren’t many opportunities. Writers often prefer to get together with other colleagues. to start their venture,” says the painter. That’s how it started with a group exhibition in a small room in Bilbao. Shortly after, his first individual offer came to Barcelona.
“I think there is such a small circle here that you have to already have a name to access it. And that is something very difficult to get. In contrast, there is a constant need in Asia. culturally enriched with new talents“.
people running away from home
Okokume has never closed itself off to new techniques and formats. He is pure living, so he is always looking for new ways to tell his stories. “If it’s a solo project, I start with a main theme that connects things. On the other hand, if it’s a fair, I create them with a more direct meaning. After the concept is defined, I sit in front of it. to impress the computer”, he continues about his creative process.
These initial sketches sometimes result in a final product. But other times, they end up with loads of ideas to come back to later. “I do a lot of drawing on the tablet these days. I do the tests I need and then move on to the support I choose.”
And the muses? “I can’t do without listening to music, I need a rhythm and melody to accompany me whenever I pick up a pen or brush. Like many, inspiration comes unexpectedly when watching a movie or observing another artist. Read an article that draws you in and put your thought on a canvas. feel the urge to express”, he continues. So, lately, you felt the need give a voice to those who have had to flee their homes.
However, despite his efforts, he has made little progress on the social level: “Unfortunately, society is still very insensitive and cannot see beyond the issues that directly affect us. Most people see news as just information and it does not. Don’t ask yourself what you can do to really help or improve.” .
It kind of upsets him… but it also encourages him to keep drawing. To continue to condemn situations. “Among all we can print,” she emphasizes. He will undoubtedly hold a pen in his hand. The front is pink and turquoise.