Shohei Ochiai's Surreal Paintings Flatten Consumer Products into Childhood Memories

Shohei Ochiai, an artist from Tokyo, produces surreal paintings that transform consumer goods into whimsical, childlike shapes. His creations include video game consoles, beloved pop culture icons like Pikachu and Shin-Chan, as well as snacks such as Cup Noodles and Pocky. A Tama Art University alumnus, Ochiai draws inspiration from Braun, Ettore Sottsass, and Shiro Kuramata. Utilizing a 4B pencil alongside a combination of paint, markers, and colored pencils, he often makes adjustments with paper on canvas. His dreamlike artworks depict objects that seem to be melting or compressed. Ochiai's childhood dreams influence his themes, featuring items he once longed for. He has also designed pieces for Pharrell Williams' auction house Joopiter and promotional art for a friend's music event. His subjects include classic vehicles like the DeLorean DMC, Honda CBX400F motorcycles, Chanel No. 5, and Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Tower. A solo exhibition titled 'This Is Ochiai Shohei' was planned for late August to late September 2023 at Yukiko Mizutani, Terada Art Complex in Tokyo. Ochiai expresses his desire for viewers to feel uplifted and energized by his art.