Ryohei Kadokura's whimsical illustrations invite us to explore the absurd

Japanese artist Ryohei Kadokura stands out as a fresh and innovative voice in the world of modern illustration. Influenced by Japanese manga, Western comics and poster illustrations, his style is characterised by playful, rounded forms and a subtle sense of fun that transcends cultural boundaries.

More broadly, his work evokes a sense of childlike wonder, encouraging viewers to explore beyond the familiar and question established norms. And this unique approach has led to collaborations with apparel shops and exhibitions at music events, showcasing the versatility and broad appeal of his art.

No right way

Ryohei's artistic journey is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences and his deeply felt desire to challenge the status quo. As he explains, "As people grow from kids into adults, they tend to believe they must fit into preconceived notions or conform to certain frameworks. However, ever since I was a child, I've felt uncomfortable with fixed ideas and the belief that there is a 'right way' things must be done."

This discomfort with conformity has become a driving force in Kadokura's creative process. His illustrations often feature unexpected elements that defy logic and convention, inviting viewers to embrace the absurd and reimagine the possible.

"It's absurd to depict a person floating in space without a spacesuit, but I embraced that idea," he points out. "I want to keep pushing beyond boundaries, breaking free from fixed notions, and creating interesting, unconventional expressions."

His artistic passion can be traced back to his childhood encounters with the works of Akira Toriyama, a renowned Japanese manga artist. "The excitement and thrill I felt when I first saw his works, characters, and incredible design sense are unforgettable," he reminisces. "Even now, I get excited whenever I see his magical creations."

The importance of humour

His inspirations today span the globe, and he cites artists such as Savignac, Fernando Botero and various satirical cartoonists as major influences on his work. "From them, I learned the importance of humour and the beauty of rounded, playful illustrations and designs," he explains. This diverse range of influences contributes to the cross-cultural appeal of Ryohei's work.

The artist finds his inspiration in the "small, everyday moments" of ordinary life, which grounds his work with a relatable quality and helps it resonate with viewers from all walks of life. "I also love music," he adds. So, I often draw inspiration from items such as records and build ideas from there."

At the heart of his artistic philosophy is a commitment to creating work that is genuinely interesting and emotionally impactful. "I'm passionate about humour and moving people emotionally," he explains. "When I look back at my past work, most of the things I regret or feel disappointed about come from one reason: they weren't interesting enough."

Transcending boundaries

Recognising the subjective nature of what people find interesting, Ryohei strives to create art that transcends cultural boundaries. "What people find interesting varies, and it often depends on where they're from, but I want to go beyond those cultural boundaries and share the humour I express with people all around the world," he says.

As Ryohei Ryohei continues to evolve as an artist, his unique combination of childlike wonder, boundless creativity, and cross-cultural appeal positions him as a rising star in the illustration world. His work reminds us of the power of art to challenge perceptions, evoke emotions, and connect people across cultural divides.

Plus, in a world that often feels constrained by convention, Kadokura's illustrations offer a refreshing invitation to break free, explore the absurd, and find joy in the unexpected.