Everyday over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the shortlisted artists for The 2022 Sovereign Asian Art Prize – the 18th edition of Asia’s most prestigious prize for contemporary artists. Selected from over 400 entries, the finalists hail from 16 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific. Of the artists, 27 are new to The Prize – appearing in our shortlist for the first time. Read on to discover more about our finalists, their key points of inspiration, and why it is important to champion the work of artists from Asia-Pacific.  

Atsuko Yamagata (Japan) was shortlisted for her work mutualism, through which she explores her understanding of how the scientific structure of life relates to our human emotions.

Can you take us through your artistic process? How do you commence working on a piece?

In my artistic process, there is a time of waiting for the materials to start moving on its own. I use glue, water, handmade paper, and acrylic paints, and I wait for them to freely shape themselves, and after that I use them to make collages.

What significance does material have to mutualism?

Moving of materials which I mentioned in the previous question, makes me see them as living things. Also their final form reminds me of microorganisms, unicellular / multicellular organisms and viruses as well. Since I began the current  artistic process, my interest has been in coexistence with the creatures of the earth, especially the invisible living things.  “mutualism” was born from that background.

What message do you hope to convey through your work?

I am always impressed by the system of living things or basic elements like water on the earth through my materials and creation processes. I hope audiences also feel the invisible system and that we ourselves are part of it too.

How important is it to support the work of artists in Asia-Pacific?

Artists face the world in their own way and explore their own expression.
Supporting artists in the Asia-Pacific should help artists from different backgrounds in Asia expand the possibilities of the world.

To vote for Yamagata’s work, click here. The most popular finalist will receive the Public Vote Prize and USD1000.

To register interest in purchasing Yamagata’s artwork, click here. Artwork sales will be launched in person and online during Art Central, from 26 – 29 May 2022. Proceeds will be spilt equally between the artist and our charitable programmes.

Want to learn about our other finalists? Tune in tomorrow for Ayessha Quraishi’s interview. To read previous artists’ interviews, click here.