Which is the work you put the most effort on?

Ushiro: All of them. Tsuboi’s “Never Give Up” is one. “Japanese Dog” is exhibited at a charity show organized by Japan Art Donation. Each of the works has meanings.

‘BLACK OF DEATH’ (2007)　© Chim↑Pom
Courtesy of Mujin-to Production, Tokyo

How did the earthquake affect the way you work?

Ushiro: We’ve already done away-artworks in Hiroshima and in Cambodia. We also did a performance gathering crows in Shibuya, which was then edited and presented at a gallery. The basics of how we work haven’t changed.

‘Making the sky of Hiroshima ‘PIKA!” (2008)　© Chim↑Pom
Photo: Cactus Nakao　Courtesy of Mujin-to Production, Tokyo

But one thing that is surely changed is that we all became a part of this big social issue. Assumably one day in the future we will be questioned regarding what we did as artist of the time. From society to its thought, even from the past to the future, all eyes are on us. This applies not only to us, but to every single Japanese citizen.

Most tend to think that your works are with strong messages.

Ushiro: Social issues exist in the reality and we are just witness of them. All we do is taking off the filter that keeps you away from facing those issues which can be easily ignored. We are not appealing any messages or directions but basically just reflecting the reality. The show is titled “REAL TIMES” simply because we like something real. We see real, feel real and express real. That’s all.

Okada: Sometimes people misread and make up messages.

Ushiro: Of course there is criticism. But is it for us as creator or for the society itself through our work? For example, “SUPER RAT” has been criticized by animal rights groups. But the reality is that hundreds of rats are killed every day. We are attacked as an icon presenting that unseen reality.

‘SUPER RAT’ (2006)　© Chim↑Pom
Courtesy of Mujin-to Production, Tokyo
Stuffed rats captured in Shibuya Center-Gai, imitating Pikachu

You also have many video works.

Ushiro: A video camera is nothing but one of the mediums. We do sculpture, photograph, or paint. It all depends what we want to express and where we want to reach. Taking photos as if you paint on a canvas gives a journalistic touch when presenting actualities. We want to reach out for things that are regarded as untouchable and present them in an interesting way of expression.

What are your upcoming plans?

Ushiro: In Japan, there are not many artists who do things like we do. It was when we realized we were a rare case that we started being invited abroad. Out there, there are artists who do alike. We hope this will become a worldwide interesting movement. In any case, we will keep eyes wide open and try new and interesting things.

Do you think of moving abroad?

Ushiro: Since the beginning, our inspirations come from what we live. We were born and raised in Shibuya and love to create in Shibuya. What’s needed is being in Japan and connected to the world.

What are your upcoming projects?

Ushiro: “REAL TIMES” will tour in Osaka in June. In September, we will present another solo exhibition at Mujin-to Production, where we would also like to launch self-produced projects. Please check the latest news on Mujinto’s website.

Chim↑Pom “REAL TIMES”
Date: May 20th – 25th, 2011
Place: Mujin-to Production
Address: 1F Matanabe Bld., 2-12-6 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6458-8225
Addmition: 500 yen (A part of the admission will be donated to the quake victims)
https://chimpom.jp