Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Osawa.
Charles, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I came to realize we need to fundamentally change how we produce trash. 85,000 tons of trash is produced in Los Angeles every day. It is clear that this is a problem. But humanity denies accepting our current fault and defers to pay others to deal with issues. The solution is, therefore, to accept our mess and pay attention to what we have created. My work is simple. I use specular reflection to gain attention to draw focus toward my medium: trash.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I standardize my work so that I can cater mass produced fine art for everyone. Each piece goes through an identical process that I revise over time. Form is simplified and standardized to achieve a universal look. I use trash as my medium to reflect our society so we can take a great look at ourselves. I want people to realize that trash can be beautiful. That each and every one of us is gifted with unlimited potential and possibilities, but we just have to face what we tend to collectively deny as a society. I’m here to just show people that trash can shine.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can currently be seen at the HuZ Galleries in San Pedro, CA. This month I will be going out to Atlanta, GA for the Chocolate and Art Show. I am always looking for more events and places to show my work and collaborators to work with. People can support me by sending me unwanted sex toys and hospital trash for now, but please e-mail me first at osawacharles@mac.com. I am collaborating with industry professionals to gain access to industrial waste as well. I am also lacking a studio, so at this point, anything helps.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
The biggest challenge is the economy. Art is generally a hard commodity to sell to the general public. It lacks function and galleries must sell to pay rent. Collectors and traders opt out on artworks with intentions that collide with art curators. The intent of purchase does not often parallel the interest to aid humanity or the culture. Therefore, artists must be aware of artwork’s role in both the financial and cultural sector of our civilization.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.osawacharles.com
- Phone: (818) 472 9697
- Email: osawacharles@mac.com
- Instagram: @charlesosawa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlesosawa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesosawa
Image Credit:
Profile image (horizontal) image provided by HuZ Galleries, San Pedro, CA
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