Hirotaka Suzuki is a contemporary Japanese artist living in Southern California. He relocated to the United States at the age of 22, shortly after completing his undergraduate studies in Japan. In 2000, he earned a Master of Fine Arts from Claremont Graduate University. In his hand-brushed paintings, Suzuki focuses on transforming issues into surreal expressions to emphasize reality.
Describing his own work, Suzuki states, "Perhaps I am painting the cruelty of contemporary life because it is in opposition to my naïve outlook. In contrast with the physical features of my paintings, I think I am visualizing my feelings of anxiety in contemporary life. Though I do not think I am fully aware of the relationship between this cruelty and my anxiety, I represent this unsure feeling as figuratively as possible and try to figure it out through my paintings. Although certain aspects of our contemporary world, such as commercialism and materialism, stand out, I cannot clearly identify an enemy. Some threats may relate to the art world, but overtly protesting such issues does not align with my personal outlook."
Hirotaka Suzuki
Suzuki intentionally hides his ideas within puzzles, inviting viewers to discover them in his artwork. These representations are drawn from everyday occurrences, historical events, and imaginary stories. He both enjoys and struggles through the creative process. The juxtaposition of the cruelty inherent in modern-day existence against his earlier, more naïve perspective seems to guide his artistic direction. This contrast, visible in the physical aspects of his work, serves as a medium through which he channels his anxieties about contemporary life.
Despite not fully understanding the complex link between this cruelty and his personal anxiety, Suzuki channels his uncertainty into his art, striving to express it in a figurative manner. His artistic exploration acts as a way to unravel these emotions. Although commercialism and materialism are prominent aspects of today's world, defining a clear antagonist remains elusive. While some challenges may extend to the art sphere, Suzuki is hesitant to overtly protest these matters, as it doesn't quite align with his individual perspective. His art becomes a platform for introspection, expressing the intricacies of his emotions and evolving understanding of the modern world.
Even amidst the conceptual exploration of contemporary life and the emotions it stirs, Suzuki finds solace in the creative process. As he explains, "I think making artwork itself helps my health. Creating paintings leads my life in the right direction. I think I am making the right art, and I am confident that I am an artist."
While Hirotaka creates his artwork organically, processing issues into surreal expressions using imagery drawn from both contemporary and historical cultural events, an additional influence on his work comes from Pablo Picasso, who is depicted in some of his pieces. Picasso’s influence may be considered more conceptual than stylistic. As Suzuki quotes Picasso, "'Art is a lie that helps us understand the truth.' I always recall his words when I am creating my paintings."
Since 2000, Suzuki has exhibited his work in numerous galleries both locally and nationally, including the Hive Gallery, Huntington Beach Art Center, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, and TAG Gallery.
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