Virgin Shen

Virgin Shen

Within contemporary trends, the allure of the Showa era resonates, infusing old-world charm into modern expression. Inspired by vibrant nostalgia, this artist crafts a unique artistic identity. The fusion of Showa influences, Y2K vibes, and an eccentric personal style evolves into a whimsical journey. Combining cyber elements with retro fashion and cultural icons, this artist paints a distinctive canvas of emotions. From cosmic philosophies to blending Western and Eastern aesthetics, Showa's essence forms the bedrock of creative inspiration, not merely as a specific time but as a reservoir of emotional energy. The diverse mediums used, from zines to events, serve as interconnected expressions of an artistic evolution. Fueled by self-taught exploration and an innate desire for cultural synthesis, this artist embodies the essence of creative vision beyond conventional definitions.

You've beautifully revived the Showa era in your style. What initially drew you to this specific period, and how does it resonate with the present?

The charm of the Showa era lies in its strong artistic expression, freedom, and rich culture. Although I haven’t lived in that era, I can still deeply feel its passion, vitality, and romance. Since my teens, I’ve been fascinated by Japanese bands and films from the 1980s. In my seventh year of living in Japan, I still enjoy exploring lives of last century’s bands, old-fashioned places and all the forgotten corners. The vitality inherent in that era seems to have become a drop of ocean nowadays , yet it remains an endless source of inspiration for me

Y2K nostalgia is evident, yet you've carved a unique niche in Showa-inspired fashion. How do you balance this retro vibe with modern elements like cyber jewelry and vibrant hair colors?

All the styles of the so-called eras are like a mood, whether it's 80s or 90s or y2k, they all have a different emotional energy. I don't care what era I'm in today, I just choose the mood I want. I like to dye my hair and I like to wear cheongsam. For example, although the cheongsam is a product of the 1920s in Shanghai, a collection of subtle oriental beauty, it's the embodiment of desire in 80s Japanese anime or games, so it's clear that the same thing can change with the context."

Your art seems to merge past nostalgia with a whimsical new-age twist. How do you infuse these elements into your work to create something entirely new?

“Everything from the past always offers learning opportunities, even if it’s just a quietly standing building. Observation is my hobby; I can swiftly perceive the commonality in things and the era’s romance inherent in them. Romance is my nature and a crucial element that sparks my imagination.”

You've mentioned being influenced by various artists and designers. Can you share more about these inspirations and how they reflect in your creative process?

Everything is interconnected, whether visually, aurally, in taste, perception, or spiritually. I listen to synthesizer music from the Showa era, for instance, compositions by osumu shoji, It's mysterious and full of the cosmic philosophy from the East. The simulation and yearning for the stars and outer space are truly moving, It's music that could only be created in that specific era.

Showa's Influence: The Showa era holds a rich cultural backdrop. Which specific cultural moments or icons from the 60s-80s resonate with you the most, and why?

I have a particular fondness for the bubble economy period. Japan uniquely blended the Western and Eastern elements, creating a visual feast in terms of aesthetics.

You've embraced personas like "Virgin Shen" and "Tokyo Trash Babe." How do these personas manifest differently online and in real life? What purpose do they serve in your artistic expression?

“I’ve always felt that names are just usernames. I have ten distinctly different names, ten alter egos, increasingly seeing Earth as a massive game board. The different ID numbers in various countries serve as the initial game accounts, and names act as usernames in different games. It’s all me.”

In a world obsessed with futuristic concepts, your focus on nostalgia is intriguing. What draws you to Showa nostalgia as opposed to futuristic themes?

For me, it represents emotions, spiritual power rather than a specific time. Nostalgia is an inward energy, while futurism is an outward energy. The contrast and connection between them evoke a unique artistic expression of me. 

Your artistic mediums span from zines to handmade accessories. What drives your choice of medium for expressing your creative ideas?

I have a passion for exploring new things, leading me to experiment with various mediums and engage in freeform creation. However, perhaps these pursuits aren’t entirely sufficient for me. Maintaining curiosity and exploration is my primary approach. Therefore, they are more like byproducts . Over the past couple of years, I have been organizing various events or party, creating a distinctive space as a medium of expression. Utilizing settings to attract people from all walks of life with shared interests, the essence is to realize the expansion of love. Whether it’s zines or small things,they serve as mementos of the events or merchandise that people unable to attend can acquire remotely.

How do you define being an artist? Has your artistic journey been self-taught, or have you undergone formal training in the field?

The word artist carry both weight and lightness, and opinions on them vary. I majored in engineering in college, and my perspective on art is that it’s when a person infinitely magnifies their senses to feel the world that they come closest to embodying the word “artist.”

You've beautifully revived the Showa era in your style. What initially drew you to this specific period, and how does it resonate with the present?

The charm of the Showa era lies in its strong artistic expression, freedom, and rich culture. Although I haven’t lived in that era, I can still deeply feel its passion, vitality, and romance. Since my teens, I’ve been fascinated by Japanese bands and films from the 1980s. In my seventh year of living in Japan, I still enjoy exploring lives of last century’s bands, old-fashioned places and all the forgotten corners. The vitality inherent in that era seems to have become a drop of ocean nowadays , yet it remains an endless source of inspiration for me

Y2K nostalgia is evident, yet you've carved a unique niche in Showa-inspired fashion. How do you balance this retro vibe with modern elements like cyber jewelry and vibrant hair colors?

All the styles of the so-called eras are like a mood, whether it's 80s or 90s or y2k, they all have a different emotional energy. I don't care what era I'm in today, I just choose the mood I want. I like to dye my hair and I like to wear cheongsam. For example, although the cheongsam is a product of the 1920s in Shanghai, a collection of subtle oriental beauty, it's the embodiment of desire in 80s Japanese anime or games, so it's clear that the same thing can change with the context."

Your art seems to merge past nostalgia with a whimsical new-age twist. How do you infuse these elements into your work to create something entirely new?

“Everything from the past always offers learning opportunities, even if it’s just a quietly standing building. Observation is my hobby; I can swiftly perceive the commonality in things and the era’s romance inherent in them. Romance is my nature and a crucial element that sparks my imagination.”

You've mentioned being influenced by various artists and designers. Can you share more about these inspirations and how they reflect in your creative process?

Everything is interconnected, whether visually, aurally, in taste, perception, or spiritually. I listen to synthesizer music from the Showa era, for instance, compositions by osumu shoji, It's mysterious and full of the cosmic philosophy from the East. The simulation and yearning for the stars and outer space are truly moving, It's music that could only be created in that specific era.

Showa's Influence: The Showa era holds a rich cultural backdrop. Which specific cultural moments or icons from the 60s-80s resonate with you the most, and why?

I have a particular fondness for the bubble economy period. Japan uniquely blended the Western and Eastern elements, creating a visual feast in terms of aesthetics.

You've embraced personas like "Virgin Shen" and "Tokyo Trash Babe." How do these personas manifest differently online and in real life? What purpose do they serve in your artistic expression?

“I’ve always felt that names are just usernames. I have ten distinctly different names, ten alter egos, increasingly seeing Earth as a massive game board. The different ID numbers in various countries serve as the initial game accounts, and names act as usernames in different games. It’s all me.”

In a world obsessed with futuristic concepts, your focus on nostalgia is intriguing. What draws you to Showa nostalgia as opposed to futuristic themes?

For me, it represents emotions, spiritual power rather than a specific time. Nostalgia is an inward energy, while futurism is an outward energy. The contrast and connection between them evoke a unique artistic expression of me. 

Your artistic mediums span from zines to handmade accessories. What drives your choice of medium for expressing your creative ideas?

I have a passion for exploring new things, leading me to experiment with various mediums and engage in freeform creation. However, perhaps these pursuits aren’t entirely sufficient for me. Maintaining curiosity and exploration is my primary approach. Therefore, they are more like byproducts . Over the past couple of years, I have been organizing various events or party, creating a distinctive space as a medium of expression. Utilizing settings to attract people from all walks of life with shared interests, the essence is to realize the expansion of love. Whether it’s zines or small things,they serve as mementos of the events or merchandise that people unable to attend can acquire remotely.

How do you define being an artist? Has your artistic journey been self-taught, or have you undergone formal training in the field?

The word artist carry both weight and lightness, and opinions on them vary. I majored in engineering in college, and my perspective on art is that it’s when a person infinitely magnifies their senses to feel the world that they come closest to embodying the word “artist.”

 
 

interview by DONALD GJOKA

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