“My work is a fusion of physics, those are visible and invisible.”
From String Theory to Artistry: A Journey Rooted in Science
Humans Sato’s artistic journey is anything but conventional. Before immersing himself in the world of art, Sato was deeply entrenched in the sciences, holding a Ph.D. in Science and dedicating years to research in fields as diverse as string theory, black hole physics, and computational biology. His academic pursuits at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and subsequent work at the University of Tokyo reflect a mind attuned to the complexities of the universe. This scientific foundation profoundly influences his artistic creations, imbuing them with a unique blend of visible and invisible elements—a fusion that mirrors the dual nature of his studies in both the tangible and theoretical realms.
Sato’s work is a synthesis of his scientific experiences, particularly in fields such as theoretical physics, geometry, and mathematical biology. His approach to art mirrors his approach to science, where diverse disciplines converge to create something new and insightful. Sato’s art transcends traditional creative boundaries, intertwining concepts from mathematics, nature, and society. This multidisciplinary perspective is inspired by the intellectual giants at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he draws parallels with figures like Albert Einstein and Edward Witten. In his art, Sato explores not only the physical world but also the abstract and invisible forces that shape it, creating a dynamic interplay of ideas that challenges conventional artistic norms.
His journey from science to art was not a linear path. Despite his profound scientific background, Sato received no formal art education beyond a brief stint in a private art class during elementary school and a short-lived membership in a university art club. Yet, it was this very lack of formal training that allowed him to approach art with a fresh perspective, free from the constraints of traditional techniques. The COVID-19 pandemic provided him with an unexpected opportunity to reconnect with his creative side, initially through digital art and eventually through hands-on painting and collage work. This transition from science to art represents not a departure from his past but rather an expansion of it, blending his analytical skills with a newfound passion for creative expression.
Humans Sato: The Unlikely Artist Sparked by Serendipity
Sato’s entry into the art world was ignited by an unexpected combination of personal and global events. In his youth, a brief flirtation with art ended abruptly when a romantic rejection during his university years led him to suppress his artistic inclinations for over three decades. However, the global upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift. With more time at home, Sato found himself revisiting the creative impulses he had long buried, initially through digital mediums on his computer. Unsatisfied with digital art, he eventually developed a desire for something more, leading him to explore the tactile qualities of hand-drawn drawings and paintings.
A pivotal moment in his artistic rebirth came from reading Taro Okamoto’s book “Today’s Art,” which emphasized the value of ordinary people engaging in artistic creation, regardless of skill level. This philosophy resonated deeply with Sato, liberating him from the self-imposed constraints of his past. He began to explore art not as a profession but as a means of self-expression and intellectual exploration. Sato’s work, therefore, is less about achieving technical perfection and more about the process of creation itself—an embodiment of Okamoto’s belief that art is meaningful when it comes from an authentic place within the individual.
This newfound artistic freedom allowed Sato to experiment and evolve rapidly. His early works were digital collages, a natural extension of his comfort with technology and computers. As he grew more confident in his abilities, he expanded into three-dimensional collages, integrating traditional materials like paints and pastels. His work soon began to stand on its own, independent of the digital origins that had first reignited his passion. Sato’s journey is a testament to the idea that art is not confined by formal education or traditional pathways but can emerge organically from a confluence of life experiences and personal growth.
The Fusion of Worlds: Exploring Themes and Influences
Sato’s artistic style is characterized by the fusion of disparate elements, a concept deeply rooted in his scientific background. He draws inspiration from the philosophical ideas of Hegel’s “aufheben” and Taro Okamoto’s “oppositionism,” both of which emphasize the synthesis of opposing forces to create something entirely new. This approach mirrors the way Sato has always worked in his scientific endeavors, where the collision of different fields often leads to groundbreaking insights. In his art, this manifests as a blend of seemingly unrelated themes such as nature, mathematics, Buddhism, and popular culture, all viewed through the lens of physics.
For Sato, everything is interconnected through the principles of physics, whether it’s a landscape from Japan, a mathematical equation, or a J-pop idol. His works are not just visual representations but intellectual exercises that challenge viewers to think beyond the surface and consider the underlying forces at play. By filtering these diverse themes through his understanding of physics, Sato creates art that is as much about the thought process behind it as it is about the finished product. This fusion of worlds is what sets his work apart, offering a unique perspective that is both intellectually stimulating and visually compelling.
Sato’s influences are as varied as his themes, ranging from the abstract expressions of Wassily Kandinsky and Salvador Dalí’s surrealism to the avant-garde work of Taro Okamoto and Shinro Ohtake. Okamoto, in particular, serves as Sato’s spiritual guide, whose philosophies on art have deeply impacted his approach to creativity. However, it is Shinro Ohtake’s work that resonates most strongly with Sato on a personal level. A visit to Naoshima to experience Ohtake’s “Naoshima Sento I Love Bath” was a transformative experience, solidifying Sato’s desire to explore the intersections of art and reality. The impact of Ohtake’s work can be seen in Sato’s own explorations of digital and three-dimensional media, as he seeks to create immersive experiences that blur the lines between the viewer and the artwork.
Humans Sato: Embracing New Mediums and Boundless Creativity
Sato’s artistic journey is characterized by constant experimentation and an openness to new mediums. What began as digital collage work has evolved into a multifaceted practice that includes painting, three-dimensional collages, and even the use of AI-generated images. Sato’s approach to choosing mediums is driven by a desire to continually challenge himself and expand his creative horizons. He sees each new medium as an opportunity to explore different aspects of his themes and to push the boundaries of what his art can represent.
In his current work, Sato has begun to incorporate technology in innovative ways, such as using AI to generate images that he then integrates into his collages. This blend of human creativity and machine learning adds a new dimension to his work, reflecting his background in computational sciences. Sato is not content to stick with one medium or method; instead, he views art as a continuous process of discovery, where each new tool or technique opens up fresh possibilities for expression. His willingness to embrace new technologies, while still honoring traditional artistic methods, speaks to his belief in the importance of both innovation and tradition in the creative process.
One of Sato’s most ambitious projects is the exploration of virtual reality (VR) environments that bring to life artworks themed around science and narrative. Inspired by his admiration for Shinro Ohtake and his desire to create immersive experiences, Sato is developing projects that combine visual art with music and digital interaction. He is currently training in desktop music composition, with the goal of integrating original soundscapes into his visual works. This interdisciplinary approach reflects Sato’s belief that art should engage multiple senses and provide a holistic experience for the viewer. As he continues to develop these projects, Sato is poised to push the boundaries of what art can be in the digital age, blending his scientific and artistic skills to create work that is truly cutting-edge.
