ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Shimabuku Discusses Octopus Consumption and Bodily Transformation in ArtReview Asia Interview

publication · 2026-04-20

In an interview published by ArtReview Asia on 21 August 2025, artists Chris Fite-Wassilak and Mark Rappolt spoke with Shimabuku about his artistic practice. The conversation explored themes of consumption and transformation, with Shimabuku reflecting on the experience of eating octopus. He described how consuming the creature integrates it into his own physical being, stating, "Eating it becomes my body; the octopus becomes part of me." This dialogue provides insight into the conceptual underpinnings of his work, which often engages with nature, perception, and the relationships between humans and other species. The interview was conducted as part of ArtReview Asia's ongoing series of artist profiles and discussions.

Key facts

  • The interview was published on 21 August 2025.
  • Chris Fite-Wassilak and Mark Rappolt conducted the interview.
  • The subject of the interview is the artist Shimabuku.
  • The interview was published by ArtReview Asia.
  • Shimabuku discussed the act of eating octopus.
  • He stated: "Eating it becomes my body; the octopus becomes part of me."
  • The conversation explored themes of consumption and bodily transformation.
  • The interview is part of ArtReview Asia's series of artist profiles.

Entities

Artists

  • Shimabuku
  • Chris Fite-Wassilak
  • Mark Rappolt

Institutions

  • ArtReview Asia

Sources