Yu Maeda

LOS ANGELES, CA — Bright colors, fractals, and ancient archetypal forms – offset by California sunshine – are all a part of the modern and progressive tableau of imagery presented by Yu Maeda. The artist’s influences may seem like an eclectic mash-up that could easily manifest as somewhat of a train wreck, but the artist manages to bring us into a distinctly progressive world of fine art that is heavily influenced by his upbringing in Japan.

Maeda left the world of commercial art and animation in Tokyo to pursue art that inspires contemplation. The 34-year-old artist lives in Huntington Beach but connects with audiences around the world. In addition to his many group art shows, Maeda’s booming social media presence resonates at a universal scale.

Gallerists often remark on the intricate detail, bright colors, and universal symbolism in his art. Filled with bold colors and detailed characters, Maeda’s work holds a timeless essence and a sense of peaceful symmetry.

“I use some basic components of life and death itself because that’s something I didn’t think about before, but now it’s recurring in my mind,” Maeda said. “Another theme is rebirth and reincarnation – I’m inspired by religious art.”

At first look, his work is reminiscent of modern pop art, Native American symbolism, contemporary art posters, and Japanese religious imagery, all tied together with a sense of tranquil unity. Take a beat while observing his work and universal themes emerge: themes of life, death, reincarnation, contradictions and juxtaposition, stillness.

“When looking at my work, a lot of people comment on the details and use of color and, often, they comment that it’s hard to tell the culture [ ethnicity ] of the artist.”

Turning his back on overcrowded, hypercharged Tokyo, Maeda made an interesting choice – Huntington Beach. He describes the move as fairly smooth – the only wrinkles being money and language, which, for an artist who values solitude, worked to his advantage. California opened up a new channel of creativity that added a layer of depth to Maeda’s recent work.

“Tokyo was great, but over time it was limiting. I’d just kinda had it with commercial work and decided to pursue my passion – that’s what I’m doing today,” Maeda said. “My art has changed dramatically since the move – it’s more introspective now. It deals with more philosophical themes and ways of thinking,” Maeda said.

Maeda recalled drawing since kindergarten, having an affinity for pop culture as a teen, and admiring West Coast style even before setting foot in the Golden State. In person, he oozes West Coast chill, with a dash of skate/surf/hipster style.

“I’ve always drawn, but in college, I saw [the art of] Taikan Yokoyama, and was really struck by the essence of art itself,” Maeda said. “It was the first time that art really moved me.”

These influences and the culmination of his experiences in Tokyo are present in his work, but the most important element is his life’s philosophy. Maeda cites a book about the Buddha, taken from his home in Japan, as important in his life. He says he draws inspiration from nature and from other artists.

In February, he was part of a three-person show at Superchief Gallery, D3ATH, which included work by Maeda, Bonethrower, and Homeless Cop. He describes the opening of the show as his “perfect day.” The show brought together primary colors and psychedelic works that offered a playful look at death. Maeda exhibited one of his favorite works, After Death, at the show.

After Death represents the culmination of all my work, and it was my intention to make a great work,” Maeda said.

This piece incorporates elements that have become recurring themes in his work: bats, pigs and skeletons. Maeda explained that bats interest him because they have strange faces and are the only mammals that fly. He depicts pigs because he is intrigued by the different ways that cultures regard them; some view them as unclean, while others honor them. Taking these elements, he makes them his own with bold colors and repeating patterns.

“Skeletons hold a lot of meaning,” Maeda said. “Japanese tattoo artists use it as a symbol of rebirth, evolution and change – not just death.”

The core tenant of Buddhism is the pursuit of an enlightened state of being through mindfulness, which the Buddha is thought to have achieved. This state of enlightenment is described as ultimate compassion, universal knowledge, and freedom from suffering.“I consider [ art ] my life’s work and think it’s important to stay consistent as part of my life philosophy,” Maeda said.

Despite these strong ties to religion and philosophy, Maeda’s work doesn’t rely on Buddhist iconography to unite viewers with the universal. The details and symmetry in his work often recall the intricacies of a mandala – circular designs which symbolize wholeness, infiniteness and the cyclical nature of life – but it can be appreciated without background knowledge.

“Art is a way of abundantly expressing my philosophy and also a meditation,” Maeda said. “The better my work is becoming, the better my life is becoming.”

When inspiration strikes, he’s prepared. Maeda is rarely without his sketchbook, and is more than happy to describe the stories behind each sticker adorning its cover. His goal is to continue to find inspiration around him, all while adding more stickers to his sketchbook and more stamps to his passport.

— Written by Veronica An
— Photography by Ashley Guo
— First published in [ Issue 2 ]