Mitsuko nagone in HONK! 002
Mitsuko Nagone would challenge your expectations and perspectives on Asian art. Her photographs carry a hidden yet not so obvious message and represent Nagone’s passion for detailed perfection.
Mitsuko grew up in a small southern city in Japan. She moved to Tokyo and studied photography at the College of Tokyo Visual Arts. She then moved to New York City to continue her studies at LaGuardia Community College. Her photographs appeared in magazines published in NYC and Tokyo.
Currently, Mitsuko resides in Japan, works as a freelance photographer, and contributes to Getty Images, La-vie Factory, and so on. She also graduated with a BA in Photography from Kyoto University of Art and Design. Photography remains her passion where she currently exhibits her personal work in area galleries. Her latest work is displayed online in Nagone’s latest project – Unpublished Magazine (Hyperlink to: http://www.unpublishedmag.com).
Mitsuko and I talked about the challenges of being a female artist in patriarchal Japan, East and West and nomadism. Oh, and she told me a traditional Japanese fairytale.
When and how did you start making art?
About 10 years ago, I took photography class in Tokyo, and it really showed me that I can make art.
Why are you hiding your model’s faces?
They are all self-portraits. The human face seems to emphasize “who” a person is and gives some insight about the individual. This may misinform the audience. I would like to challenge the viewer’s misconceptions and stereotypes.
Why hair?
To hide a face, the hair is just the closet thing from the face. In some of the photographs, I use my hair or a wig purposely to hide my face, but also in the others, I just face down then it comes over my face, or just turn back.
Do you plan your work or is it more spontaneous?
Yes, I do plan especially what materials to use in the photographs, but sometimes I alter the plan during a photo shoot.
Do you find inspiration in Japan or in other cultures for your art?
Wherever I live, I get different kind of inspiration. Since I live in Japan now, I guess I am under the inspiration of Japan culture.
Do you think Japan artists get enough exposure to the Western art scene?
Find out the answer to this question and read the whole interview in HONK!
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