Exploring Dualism and Art on Bitcoin Ordinals
Okayaman is a talented artist with a rich background in music and calligraphy. Since 2004, he has toured Japan as a guitarist, drawing inspiration from greats like John Frusciante and John Mayer, who express invisible emotions through sound. His artistic journey took a significant turn in 2021 when he encountered NFTs and began creating digital art. By February 2023, Okayaman discovered Bitcoin ordinals through another Japanese creator, and his deep fascination with the full-on-chain art storage on Bitcoin led him to embrace this medium. The robust and decentralized nature of Bitcoin, combined with the innovative ideas of other artists, inspired him to dive into ordinals.
Approach to Art
Okayaman’s distinctive artistic approach revolves around the theme of dualism—yin and yang. For the past three years, he has been exploring the idea that these two forces, though inseparable, remain divided. His work captures the gap between them, and he strives to express this duality in his art. Using patterns and abstract expressions inspired by Ainu, Indian, and African art, Okayaman imprints these ambiguous emotions onto the world. To him, real art stirs emotions, much like music. Whether it’s through rhythm, color, or composition, his goal is to create something that resonates deeply with the viewer’s senses.
Why Bitcoin Ordinals?
The decision to release his art using Bitcoin ordinals was driven by the appeal of Bitcoin’s historical and technological significance. For Okayaman, Bitcoin's robustness and permanence make it a perfect medium to store his work on-chain. He also appreciates the constraints of ordinals, which force artists to establish value creatively. The open and collaborative nature of the community further enhances his experience, allowing him to explore new artistic avenues that differ from other blockchains.
Exploring Okayaman’s Art on Ordinals
One of Okayaman’s key collections, Black, was born from his early experiences with ordinals. At the time, profile pictures (pfps) were popular, leading him to question whether ordinals had any artistic value. However, the introduction of recursive art expanded his creative range. Black, a hand-drawn concept art series, represents the dangers of confirmation bias, where people become blind to new perspectives when fixated on one thing. Each piece in the collection depicts a different scene, expressing the desire for light. Interestingly, the collection is displayed in black on Magic Eden’s index screen, with the full artwork only visible when the viewer actively engages with the content. By inscribing these pieces on uncommon black sats, Okayaman added depth and meaning to the collection.
Black also has a child collection called KALEIDOSCOPE, which captures the interplay of light and shadow. This dynamic collection uses p5.js to create interactive works where colorful boxes shift positions, offering viewers a kaleidoscopic experience. Hidden within this collection are shadow works that have been reinscribed using the same sats, adding another layer of depth to Okayaman’s exploration of dualism.
A Background Rooted in Music and Calligraphy
Before entering the digital art space, Okayaman’s creative roots were in music and calligraphy. As a guitarist with over 20 years of experience, he has long been attuned to the emotional power of artistic expression. He also practiced calligraphy for 10 years, under the pen name KIZAN. His exposure to various cultures during his time working at an ethnic goods store helped shape his affinity for pattern and abstract art. Discovering digital art in 2021 allowed him to combine these influences with new, experimental forms of expression, blending analog watercolors with digital mediums.
Growth as an Artist and Individual
Okayaman’s journey as an artist has led to personal growth, particularly in terms of patience and perspective. He’s learned to view the world from multiple angles, which has brightened his outlook on life. Through his work, he has also gained valuable insights into the emotions and intentions behind art created for specific individuals, which has helped him grow both as an artist and as a person.
Artistic Influences and Originality
Okayaman draws inspiration from various art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Postmodernism. While he doesn’t have a single favorite artist, he admires Haegue Yang’s Mesmerizing Mesh series and is often inspired by the people around him, including his daughter. Living in Okayama, surrounded by nature, has also helped him find a balance between drawing inspiration from the world and maintaining his own originality.
Overcoming Challenges in the Digital Space
Navigating the evolving world of cryptocurrencies and NFTs has required adaptability and persistence. Okayaman emphasizes the importance of patience and learning through trial and error. The rapid pace of technological change has given him the opportunity to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, expanding his worldview and enhancing his creative process.
Looking Ahead: Aspirations and Future Projects
As a digital artist using Bitcoin ordinals, Okayaman is focused on deepening his understanding of coding and art to pursue forms of expression that are uniquely his own. His recent addition of transparent watercolors to his work opens up new possibilities for creative exploration. He aims to continue pushing the boundaries of his artistic practice, connecting with audiences and giving back to those who have supported his journey.
Advice for Emerging Digital Artists
For aspiring digital artists interested in incorporating cryptocurrencies into their work, Okayaman’s advice is simple: study history. He believes the answers to many creative questions can be found in the past. By integrating historical knowledge with personal experiences, emerging artists can develop their own unique style and voice in the digital art world.
