Kenji "Kenjamight" Hirata is a New York City-based muralist and animator who was born in Nagasaki, Japan. His work recalls the vibrant colors of Southeast Asia, twisted futurism of Giger, and forms of the Peruvian landing strips of the gods! Most recently he has taken part in the Altoids' Curiously Strong "Wall of Fame" in New York, which showcases 15 established and up-and-coming artists from the area. Located at Bedford and North 4th Street in Brooklyn, the wall was unveiled on June 3.
GR: What preparations did you make when you moved from Japan to New York City? Do you feel at home in the U.S.?
KH: I didn't prepare much, but I really feel at home here. Everybody around me is an artist I collaborate with. It's almost like a big family. But at the same time, I want to share moments with people all around the world--anywhere, any time.
GR: How do water, fire, metal, wood, and soil fit into your work?
KH: Since I am a born Buddist, the five elements are within my soul. I never think how they affect my artwork, but when I paint and think about lines, colors, and compositions I try to give an organic impression of them.
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GR: Can you describe the influence of science fiction on your work?
KH: I have been watching science fiction ever since I was a kid. It was almost like being brainwashed, but now I try to imagine and paint as if I were a Third-World kid in a poor village who has never seen a Hollywood sci-fi film but who has his own image of space and the future.
GR: How do you want your work to make people feel?
KH: I want viewers to become happy and smile when they see my works.
GR: How does your artwork make you feel?
KH: Sometimes happy, sometimes the opposite.
GR: How do you approach collaborative efforts in comparison to solo pieces?
KH: Collaborative: I try to create a piece where my soul and others' become one. Solo: I try to listen to my wife, since I paint at home. I always listen to what she says and answer her questions.
GR: What do you do with your art crew, the Barnstormers?
KH: We make steps into a world of unknown factors and are never afraid to change, but we might change our name in the future.
GR: What sort of punishment is appropriate for someone who gets caught painting on private property? KH: Give the artist a nasty stare.
GR: How would you describe your animated work?
KH: It could be a world that only contains the color pink or a world where hibiscus romps at lightspeed while it laughs so hard.
GR: The Barnstormers' Watching Paint Dry video went on tour with RFD and Bad Brains. Are you a fan of punk rock?
KH: Yes, HR is my all-time hero! My new favorite is ShingO2. His new album 400 is killer!
GR: When do you eat Altoids?
KH: Sometimes my man David Ellis (aka SKWERM) gives me Altoids. I end up regretting putting five drops in my mouth.