Over the course of the next few weeks we will be speaking to some of the artists who were selected to exhibit their work as part of Manchester Open 2020, delving deeper into the people who make up the fantastic body of 400+ participating artists from across the North West, and bringing you closer to their work.
For our first Manchester Open 2020 artist in focus, we spoke to Ryuji Goto.
When did you first take up art? What’s your artistic background?
I drew a massive picture of a face on outside bathroom wall with a charcoal from the open hearth when I was a child over 55 years ago. I’m a self-taught artist except a short course of mixed media adult learning class attended when I turned 60.
How did you feel when you found out you had been chosen for the Manchester Open?
Fantastic but a little scared.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Memories and imagination.
What do you think art brings to your life?
A new purpose and a feeling of self-worth.
Which artist(s) do you admire?
Jenny Keegan – adult evening mixed media class teacher
Ken Occhan – My childhood hero, Manga artist
Tell us an interesting story about yourself & your work:
I do not like to throw away anything. I use saved papers, card boards and other domestic unwanted items to create things without any particular concept of artistic technique or medium. I like to weave an anecdote into my work. I find it amusing to get surprised by an unexpected result from a mistake I thought I made.
You can view more of Ryuji’s work here.
Our Manchester Open Exhibition 2020 will preview on Fri 17 Jan, and will then run from Sat 18 Jan until Sun 29 Mar.
This is the first region-wide exhibition of its type to welcome entries from people of any background and level of experience, including established professionals, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs and first-time artists.
Follow #mcropen2020 on all our platforms for sneak previews, artist Q&As and behind the scenes videos.