Collector Interview - dialogue: roots and fruits
For the series dialogue: roots and fruits, ArtX delves into the minds of established and emerging collectors from Japan and abroad. Through intimate conversations, we uncover the roots that led them to collect artworks—their personal thoughts, experiences, and philosophies—as well as the collections to which these passions have borne fruit. Just as a fruit grows only after the plant’s roots are firmly established and its branches and leaves have matured, a variety of memories, events, and philosophies should lie at the root of any collection. By illuminating these inner workings, ArtX seeks to highlight the unique character of each collector.
dialogue: roots and fruitsと題された本シリーズでは、ArtXが注目する国内外のコレクターをインタビューします。それぞれのコレクターとの対話(dialogue)を通して、作品を集めるに至ったパーソナルな思いや情熱 (roots)、そしてその想いが結実 (fruits)したコレクションという観点から、紐解いていきます。 しっかり根を張り、枝葉を伸ばし初めて実がなるように、コレクションの根幹には、さまざまな思い出や出来事、哲学があるはずです。そのような内面的な部分に光を当て、それぞれのコレクター像を浮かび上がらせていきます。
Vol.1
Takanori Kataishi (yutori)




"It’s raw, passionate, and punk, but it is equally driven by thoughtful consideration."
The way he articulated his impressions of Kohei Yamada's painting, his first acquisition, was truly remarkable. His ability to verbalize the fleeting sensations elicited by art demonstrates how he internalizes and interprets these experiences through his own unique lens.
Having been immersed in the worlds of fashion and culture since childhood, he approached these topics with both enthusiasm and an analytical eye, offering insightful observations.Many people are interested in art, and the number of collectors is growing.
However, the art world is vast, with numerous artists, not just in contemporary art. And auctions provide a wealth of market information. Many people feel lost, unsure of what to do or where to begin. Takanori Katashiki is a rare young collector who does not rely on external standards, but instead constantly asks himself why he collects art. He chooses works that will accompany him on his journey and align with his sensibility.
「すごい朴訥としてて、初期衝動的だし、パンクで情熱的だけど、そこに同時に同じぐらいの知性も乗っかってる」初めて買ったという山田康平さんのペインティングについて、自分の言葉でしっかり捉えていることがとても印象的だった。作品を見た時のとらえ難い感覚を、的確に言葉にできるのは自分の言葉や感性でしっかり消化しているからこそだ。彼が子供の頃から接してきたファッションやカルチャーについて語る時、それはただ熱狂的に好きなだけでなく、どこか分析的でその洞察は鋭かった。
感覚的でありながら、理路整然と話す様子に迷いはなかった。多くの方がアートに興味を持っており、コレクションに興味を持っている方も増えている。ただ、現代美術に限らずアーティストは様々で、オークションを見ればマーケットとしての情報が沢山あり、アートの世界の狭さも相まって、どうしていいのか、どこから見ていいのかわからなくなっている方が多いように感じる。そのように迷ってしまうのも無理はない。そのような中で、外の価値基準に寄らずに、あくまでなぜ自分がコレクションするのか、それを問い続け、一緒に歩んでいく作品を選ぶ姿勢を持ち、自分の感性、心の声に耳を傾けている稀有な若手コレクターだ。
Vol.2
Naoko Sasagawa
She collects with a pure heart, genuinely pursuing her interests without the constraints of pre-set themes or frameworks. She finds intrigue in the unfamiliar, embracing the unknown with an open mind and a sense of excitement. This attitude, it seems, has remained constant throughout her collecting journey.
While some collectors prefer structured approaches, focusing on specific themes or supporting particular artists, her method is more organic. Instead of overthinking art, perceiving it as a source of pleasure allows for more natural and meaningful encounters with works that resonate personally.
Curiosity is a powerful driver, sparking new discoveries and enriching our lives in unexpected ways. It's a pure, potent force, capable of carrying us far, often before we even realize the distance we've traveled. She enjoys the journey, the detours, the serendipitous connections forged not through calculated strategies, but through genuine interest. Artworks and individuals connect through this shared curiosity, creating a network of experiences that constantly opens up new paths.A life lived alongside art, as her story demonstrates, is a rich and fulfilling one.
Her modest demeanor and lively way of speaking are incredibly persuasive, conveying a genuine passion that speaks volumes. More than anything, her approach reminds us that the most meaningful encounters with art often come not from deliberate searching, but from an open heart and a curious spirit, allowing art to reveal itself in its own time and way.