Nashīnasu ナシーナス
Nashīnasu, your journey from a young age has been both inspiring and transformative. Can you share with us how being diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 has shaped your artistic journey and the unique perspectives it brings to your work?
Being diagnosed with autism as a child has profoundly shaped my artistic journey in ways that continue to unfold. Throughout my upbringing, art became a sanctuary where I could express myself when words fell short. My encounters with autism have gifted me with an acute sensitivity to sensory experiences, which reverberates through my art in vibrant palettes, intricate textures, and dynamic compositions. Moreover, my distinctive perspective allows me to encapsulate moments of deep concentration and dedication in my work, reflecting the profound passions often associated with autism. Through my artistry, I aim to dismantle misconceptions and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences, offering an original and genuine voice to the artistic community.
*You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from animation giants like Studio Ghibli and Disney, as well as surrealists like Salvador Dali. How do these influences converge in your current projects, and how do they help you reimagine our world through your art?
I admire the cinematic quality of anime and Studio Ghibli shows, revelling in their elegance and captivating visuals. The journey with light particles began in 2016, when I first experimented with them in one of my paintings. Initially, I abandoned the idea, thinking it might disrupt the harmony of my artwork, especially considering it was my initial attempt and I didn't anticipate perfection.
However, in 2019, while shifting my focus from architectural drawings to portraits and animals, the concept of light particles resurfaced. Recalling my previous experimentation, I decided to incorporate them into one of my animal sketches. Opting for simple particles to suit the medium of pencil, I was pleasantly surprised by the result. The addition bestowed a cinematic and emotionally evocative quality upon the drawing, which I found immensely satisfying.
Further exploration of light particles was inspired by the artworks of Yayoi Kusama, whose use of similar elements intrigued me. The subtle vignette in my drawings aims to evoke a cinematic, almost nostalgic ambiance, influenced in part by my involvement in modelling and acting auditions.
Moreover, the gentle glowing effect in my work draws inspiration from the luminous aesthetics of anime and Studio Ghibli productions, enhancing its visual allure and emotional resonance.
Throughout your career, you've successfully bridged the gap between the real and the abstract. Looking ahead, what themes or concepts are you excited to explore in your future projects?
I'm intrigued by the idea of transformation and growth, exploring how we evolve through life's challenges. I'm also drawn to the theme of interconnectedness, showing how our actions ripple out and affect the world around us. These concepts fuel my creativity and push me to explore new artistic territories.
Your work is recognized for its ability to challenge perspectives and convey deep, meaningful messages. What specific impact do you hope your artworks have on your audience, especially in terms of engaging with individuals with disabilities?
I want my art to be a catalyst for change, particularly for those living with disabilities. I hope to challenge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding disability, promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. Through my artwork, I aim to amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. I want my art to serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment, providing a platform for people to share their stories and connect with others who may be going through similar challenges. Ultimately, I hope my art fosters greater understanding, empathy, and advocacy, paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive world for all.
*As an artist who has received international acclaim and numerous awards, what future goals do you have for your career? How do you plan to expand your artistic practice or explore new mediums?
My current future goals for me is to try and be in Forbes 30 Under 30. I think I mentioned this in the Collector’s Art Prize interview with Contemporary Art Curator last year in 2023. I seriously want to be in that publication.
They are other achievements that I want to achieve but Forbes 30 Under 30 Achievement is what I really want to be in.
-I have an upcoming Documentary of my 2022 art series Rêverie, the 2 tier artworks series.
-I recently started doing Timed Prints, Limited Edition Prints and Embellished Editions Prints.
-Do a lot of collaborations. I have collaborated with numerous brands on my personal brand while I was a Lifestyle Influencer, something that I started doing. I was introduced by Ashleigh Warren and I really enjoyed it so far.
-Start doing more different mediums other than pencil and oil paints like installations and sculptural artworks.
-I have been doing pencil drawings and oil painting for a long time, especially pencil drawing. It would be nice to experiment with my signature style of light particles, vignette, cinematic vibe even further other than pencil and oils.
-Have an art studio so I can make even bigger artworks as I want to do bigger scale works, including very big scale like wall size.
-One of the collaborations that I want to do is with a game franchise called Tekken. I have been doing a Tekken Character Drawing Marathon since October 2023. I have been a big fan of the franchise since I was at a young age.
Later in the future:
Have my own art gallery but want to take one step at a time first.
*Given your achievements and the recognition you've received, including your participation in prestigious exhibitions and collaborations, what advice would you give to emerging artists, particularly those with disabilities, who aspire to make their mark in the art world?
I would say do any artworks that they would like to create. They are the artists and they shouldn’t be limited to do anything they want to do. They have all the freedom in the world.
I would also say explore a lot of mediums because it is fun to explore a lot of mediums rather than just do one medium. Keep practicing and learning. I am still learning a lot even though I have been an artist for over a decade now, which is a very long time.
They have complete freedom to explore any ideas they wish.
You've mentioned the importance of music, anime, and Japanese culture in your work. Can you share more about how these elements are woven into your art and how they continue to inspire your creative process?
Music, anime, and Japanese culture are like threads woven into the fabric of my creative process. Each one brings its own unique texture and color, enriching my artwork in countless ways. When I listen to music, I don't just hear notes; I feel emotions. The melodies stir something deep within me, guiding my hand as I paint or sketch. Anime, with its fantastical worlds and compelling characters, sparks my imagination and transports me to realms of endless possibility. I find inspiration in every frame. And Japanese culture, with its rich history and vibrant traditions, adds depth and meaning to my work. From the graceful movements of a traditional dance to the bold designs of modern manga, I'm constantly inspired by the beauty and complexity of Japanese art and culture. What keeps me inspired is the sense of connection and belonging that these influences bring. They remind me that creativity is a journey. Every story, and every tradition has the power to shape who we are and how we see the world.
*Nashīnasu, as an artist deeply influenced by your journey with autism and your passion for blending animation with surrealism, how do you aim to use your art to address and inspire action on global challenges like climate change or human rights? What impact do you hope to achieve in both the art community and wider society through your unique voice and creative expressions?
As an artist influenced by my experience with autism and my love for blending Japanese animation with surrealism, I see my art as a powerful tool for addressing major global challenges such as climate change and human rights issues. Through my artwork, I aim to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire action. I want my art to serve as a catalyst for raising awareness and promoting empathy, encouraging viewers to look beyond themselves and consider the impact of their actions on the world around them. By weaving together elements of fantasy and reality, I hope to create a sense of urgency and possibility, motivating people to take meaningful steps towards positive change. Ultimately, I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and unite people in a shared vision for a better future.
Reflecting on your past works and the themes you've tackled, is there a particular project or piece that stands out to you as the most impactful or meaningful? If so, could you tell us more about it and the story behind its creation?
I would probably say my 2022 series Rêverie is definitely the most impactful or meaningful project, (the 2 tier style artworks which are inspired by illustrations that I saw on Pinterest) because the stories of those artworks are very relatable to what is going on in today’s world.
I daydream a lot, most of the time, wishing what I was doing most of the time, wanting to escape from reality sometimes.
During 2019, I was wondering what kind of artworks that I want to do next for the next art series. I was scrolling through posts on Pinterest because I go on there a lot and there are so many ideas curated there. I find further inspiration in the process. I came across 2 tier style illustrations there and it made me wonder if I would like to do something like this because I haven’t tried this kind of style. So I decided to give it a go because I want to do that.
I started doing sketches in 2020, looking for ideas, what theme, visual elements, what I want to talk about in the series. The name Reverie is a state of mind filled with the joy of envisioning or pondering delightful experiences, much like drifting into a dream which is why I chose that name.
The theme was daydream as I daydream a lot and I imagine a lot of things too. The series is inspired by fireflies on the water by Yayoi Kusama. I’m inspired by the glow and subscribe to many things. It has this essence like it’s magical like you’re in a time-space where it’s like a daydream like you don’t want to leave. You just want to stay there.
One of my most recognised artworks is called Overnight Therapy (purplish pink painting), It is also one of my best artworks from the series too as it fits the theme of the whole series.
Through the exploration of two-tier style art and the theme of daydreaming, I created a series that transports viewers to a world where reality and imagination blend seamlessly.
*Looking towards the future, how do you envision your role as an artist in today's world, especially in terms of making a positive impact and inspiring change through your artwork?
As I look towards the future, I see myself as an artist on a mission to make a difference in the world. Through my art, I aim to address pressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation. Whether it's through thought-provoking paintings, powerful sculptures, or immersive installations, I believe that art has the power to inspire action and drive positive change. My vision is to use my platform as an artist to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, challenge the status quo, and foster a greater sense of compassion and understanding among people. By harnessing the transformative power of art, I hope to contribute to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations.
I envision my role as an artist to be more meaningful, more relatable into what is happening in today’s world. I want to create more artworks that can empower people in the world.