Sarisa Kojima: Portrait of the Thai-Japanese artist as a trans woman

A multidisciplinary artist of Thai-Japanese descent, Sarisa Kojima was born in Okinawa and raised in Thailand. Her experiences as a transgender woman have greatly influenced her art.

"Being a Thai-Japanese transgender woman has informed my art in various ways. It has given me a unique perspective on life, which I try to convey through my art. My experiences have also taught me to be bold and unapologetic in expressing myself through my work," Kojima told Digital Life Asia.

Describing herself as a creative and passionate individual, Kojima said that she loves exploring different art forms and styles. Apart from her visual art, she also enjoys singing jazz and playing the piano.

"Becoming an artist was not my childhood dream, but I have always had a love for drawing and creating. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher because I wanted to inspire and help others learn. As I pursued my passion for art and discovered my talent and passion for it, I realized that teaching art is something I would love to do. So now, my dream job is to become an art teacher and share my knowledge and skills with others," she said.

How would Kojima describe her art style?

"My art style is heavily influenced by my Thai and Japanese heritage. I draw inspiration from Asian philosophy, Japanese wood-cut printmaking, and folklore, which are prominent themes in my work. Some artists that I look up to include Katsushika Hokusai, Yumeji Takehisa, Naoko Takeuchi, Yayoi Kusama, and Osamu Tezuka," she said.

How did Kojima first find out about blockchain technology?

"I first discovered blockchain technology in 2017 when I was researching different technologies that could be used in the art world. What attracted me to this space was the potential to democratize the art market and give artists more control over their work," she said.

"I first minted an NFT about two years ago, after my partner convinced me to give it a try. It was a great decision, and I have been exploring the NFT space ever since," she added.

Asked what she sees as the biggest impact of NFTs on art and artists, Kojima replied: "I see NFTs as a revolutionary force in the art world, allowing artists to take control of their creations and receive fair compensation for their work. The biggest impact of NFTs on art and artists is the decentralization of the art market and the removal of middlemen such as galleries and auction houses. This creates a more inclusive and democratic environment for artists to showcase and sell their work directly to collectors and fans."

Kojima added that NFTs are challenging the traditional art world's notion of value.

"This creates exciting opportunities for artists to experiment with new mediums and formats, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what is considered art," she said.

How, then, can artists adapt to this changing environment?

"Artists must embrace technology and develop a strong online presence. They should also educate themselves on blockchain and NFTs to take full advantage of this new market. Ultimately, NFTs are a game changer for artists, offering new avenues for exposure and financial gain that were previously unavailable in the traditional art world," Kojima said.

What message does Kojima want to share with aspiring artists?

"Creating art is a passion that requires dedication and perseverance. My advice to aspiring artists is to focus on creating art that truly resonates with you, rather than solely aiming to become famous or earn a living from it. While it's important to seek recognition and financial support for your work, it's equally important to remember that creating art and selling art are separate things. The ultimate satisfaction of being an artist comes from the freedom of expression and creativity that comes with it. Pursue your passion, find your own path, and don't compromise your artistic vision for external pressures or expectations," she said.

Thanks for sharing your passion for art with the world, Sarisa Kojima!