The Artist's Form: How Masayoshi Matsumoto Is Changing The Art World

(Image courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

In the twelfth grade, I learned about the six elements of art: color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value (Marder, 2020). Form has multiple definitions. But for the sake of this article, the form definition we will use is, "form connotes something that is three-dimensional and encloses volume, having length, width, and height, versus shape, which is two-dimensional, or flat. A form is a shape in three dimensions and, like shapes, can be geometric or organic (Marder, 2020). Masayoshi Matsumoto is the reigning master of form. Matsumoto uses balloons to create intricate sculptures. I had the chance to speak with him to learn more about his work and artistic journey.

(Image courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

1. What is art?

I believe art refers to everything that moves people's hearts and minds.

(Image courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

2. What is your artistic journey?

While I was doing balloon art, I have always been inclined to make lifelike balloon animals & insects. (I've liked creatures since I was small.) The beginning of balloon art was participation in the juggling club 14 years ago.

(Images courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

3. How do you incorporate your mission and vision into your work?

My mission is to create balloon art with realistic taste. To achieve this, I use photos of actual animals as references for my artwork.

(Images courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to become artists?

It is important to decide what kind of work you want to create and keep working toward that ideal.

(Image courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)

5. What is the future of your work?

There are still many animals I have been unable to reproduce with balloons, so I want to make as many as possible.

(Image courtesy of Masayoshi Matsumoto.)