Four years have passed since PIGMENT TOKYO opened in July 2015.
Thankfully, PIGMENT TOKYO has gained attention from various fields and is continuously growing.
PIGMENT TOKYO is a laboratory that explores “the expression of color and materials” and serves as a museum, shop, and a place to offer workshops. We are a comprehensive creative organization with activities, research, and education related to art materials, techniques, and expression.
People who work here are not only artists and researchers with deep knowledge and experience of art materials and colors, but we also have specialists in connecting art and businesses.
It serves as an atelier, where we provide techniques and organize customized plans and projects for companies in Japan and overseas.
In this article, we interviewed our PIGMENT staff about what it is like to be working at PIGMENT TOKYO.
PIGMENT TOKYO Store Manager /Art Material Expert
Masayoshi Nojo
―You have been working at PIGMENT TOKYO since the opening, right? Please tell us about the art business of Warehouse TERRADA.
I am working as a PIGMENT TOKYO staff and at the same time, I create my artwork at the studio run by TERRADA. It is very fascinating that the TERRADA covers comprehensive art businesses, not just selling art materials but also managing artwork storage, art studio and holding the art×music event called “Iron Island Festival”.
―Have you learned anything from working at PIGMENT TOKYO as an artist?
Yes. In PIGMENT TOKYO, we have customers from both inside and outside of Japan, which means sometimes I need to use English for communication.
At first, I had some difficulties, but as I spent time here and had talks with people from various countries, I got to speak English naturally. Thanks to that, I was able to present my own artwork in English with confidence when I participated in an art fair overseas.
―Do you have any announcements for your upcoming exhibitions?
I am having my solo exhibition in January 2020 at JD Malat Gallery in London.
This will be a huge exhibition and I am now working on that!
PIGMENT LAB WORKSHOP Instructor / Art Material Expert
Kei Saito
―What is good about working at PIGMENT TOKYO？
One of the good things about working here is that I can cultivate my business perspectives from Warehouse TERRADA, the company that runs PIGMENT TOKYO. Evolving around the storage business, the company explores ways to connect these precious materials and techniques and the society beyond the existing role. All these ideas have given inspiration to my creativity and career as well. Furthermore, the relationships between art supply companies are very close, which gives me valuable opportunities to gain specialized knowledge. PIGMENT TOKYO is a place that has supported my growth.
―Are there any workshops that you hope to plan for the future?
It would be very new if we could have an interdisciplinary workshop where various genres of art meet under the theme of art materials. I would like to work on that for implementation.
PIGMENT LAB WORKSHOP Instructor/Art Material Expert
Natsumi Yamasato
―What do you feel about working at PIGMENT TOKYO?
I have been creating my artwork and researching at the art university, where I acquired my doctorate.
I had always doubted using the art materials without knowing and understanding them, so I spent time on research for my further expression. The research was sometimes monotonous, but the knowledge and techniques I gained there are irreplaceable treasures in my life. It’s been a year since I started to work as a PIGMENT TOKYO staff member right after I graduated from graduate school. I am now an instructor of workshops in PIGMENT TOKYO.
Everything I have learned in university and research is now all connected to the work, which I would never imagine before coming here. Also, during the first year, I lacked my business perspective, but through these workshops, I am learning the marketing and planning of the business and how to manage the projects. PIGMENT TOKYO is a place where I can challenge myself.
―Is there a moment when you feel very rewarded during the workshop?
Yes. I am more than grateful to see people smiling when they solve their problems during the workshop. Furthermore, some people come back to join another workshop, which motivates me to try harder to meet their expectations. I thought I understood art through the research experiences, but I realized that the true understanding lies when I could explain the materials to the customers and they truly understand it.
―Do you have any goal that you want to achieve in PIGMENT?
PIGMENT TOKYO, run by Warehouse TERRADA, is striving to create a new culture beyond the existing rules.
The world of art might look very fancy, but it actually is the repetition of the same work and efforts. You learn, create, and you fail. You learn, create again, and then fail again. It is painful but I am very happy. I feel like people who participate in the workshop share the same spirit.
There are many places where you can learn art; but I feel that we need a place to learn the true nature of art, thoroughly and carefully.
It is my dream to make PIGMENT TOKYO the place to be.
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
PIGMENT TOKYO
Natsuko Shiraishi
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Favorite texture: Paper, dynamic moves of wood fiber
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Favorite texture: Paper, dynamic moves of wood fiber