Life is a choreography.

Curations of intangible memories form within the choreographies of the unmovable. Definitions, patterns, molds and textures find movement, technology gets a say, spirit finds a new body through Kou Yamamoto aka “nouseskou”s eyes. Some forms of expression cannot be easily articulated, authenticity takes on the pedestal instead… Exactly in this manner, his glitchy, flowy, very much one-of-a-kind imagery over social media, giving you a glimpse of his multi-disciplinary creative process of thinking. We welcome you to the ever-changing nature of his cosmos.

As an artist who conceptualizes his art in a very unique way, do you define and direct your art or do you let it take control instead? 

First of all, I feel that my existence is not alone. But, it includes family, friends, and various encounters as well. Through this existence of mine, I try to incorporate the fluctuations of the universe and the necessary forms and roles it heads towards. These expressions get mediated by myself into the cosmos and take on their destiny as naturally as possible.

Your imagery is influenced by the “mono-ha” movement, which is mostly a still form of art, yet your work embodies movement. How did you end up in such a unique form of expression?

Indeed, “mono-ha” works are a still form of art. However, I believe the sensations experienced by encountering a “mono-ha” work, whether its moving or stationary, makes no difference. To articulate, no matter how much you delve into it, the experience is left up to the person who experiences it. I also believe that there are certain landscapes that can only be felt by the person who created them.

So in this respect, while I am always mindful of others, the origin begins with the value of listening to and feeling the voice of one’s own heart, and I am very interested in this process itself. This feeling is similar to how I still remember the moment my heart was touched when I first saw breakdancing in a club. It’s difficult to articulate exactly why my heart was moved at that moment. 

İHow much of your work is instinctive? What does your creative process look like? 

My dance team is called Nouses, derived from the ancient Greek word “nous”, before we renamed it. Which meant the reason, the will that exists between all things in the universe, including humans and instincts.In this context, it seems to me that even the desire to feel reason is an instinctive act, thus everything is always intuitive or instinctive, including the whole process.

Upon further inspection of it, I think it incorporates everyday life as a whole. For instance, I was amazed by the interlacing scenery of orange sunlight passing through a dark mountain path at dusk, and the shadows of trees. Sometimes I wait patiently for a small bug that I have found in my room to move onto my hand, just so that I can release it outside, while being careful not to crush it. The amount of physical effort involved in not harming the bug, and the feeling of relief after saving it, are all part of this indescribable yet defining experience. 

We see that flow is a big concept in your creations. Does your choreographer identity differentiate from your identity as a visual designer? How do your two worlds meet?

It’s a dimension beyond words. I know what to do, more clearly than words can express. Though, not always. It’s a sensation that always seems to stay with me from the moment that I have created something.

There is no distinction between my identities within myself, it’s a matter of following what my heart wants to feel and see. In this case, the integration of visuals and choreography feels like it can create a universe that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, so I think that’s exactly what my heart wants at those moments.

Ambient sound design is another big element in your craft. What role does sound play in your universe? Do you get moved by sound or does sound happen because of the movement?

I work on DTM (Desktop Music) on my PC to create sounds. And I feel that each day I can instantly create and experience universes and my very own philosophies. Through sound, I directly receive and convey intention. 

I often go deep into the mountains as part of my creative process, and I believe I produce sounds because I want to continue to feel the soothing, inaudible flow of sound from the mountain when I return to my room in the city.  

Furthermore, the sound of the mountains come off to me as the sound of a high-purtiy version of the universe. The sound of a place, before existence. Plus there is a sense of nostalgia coming of that place, as if you’re trying not to forget something important. That’s why I think ambience plays a essential role on people.

How do you define inspiration and where do you find it? 

To speak of it even slightly, I think it’s about listening to your inner voice and trusting it. For instance, on a clear holiday, when you step out the door with no plans, your first step can lead to anywhere. It could be visuals, sounds, temperatures, yesterday’s events, and whatever is on your mind at the moment.

I think it’s similar to the natural step you take after a moment’s breath, passing through yourself while cherishing these moments. Considering that the heart is a part of nature, I’d like to borrow the words of John Cage: “Art is imitating nature in her manner of operation.”

What does winning mean to you? Which scenarios do you define as a “win”? 

A “win” could be realized only when you are freed from the pursuit of victory itself. While defining happiness may be challenging, my greatest hope is for the Earth to experience joy and contentment.

Where do you draw the line when integrating different elements to your creations? 

While I wish for the happiness of the Earth, it would be ideal if everyone could understand each other. But lately I’ve been thinking that perhaps this happiness could come from a perfect sense of distance and balance. This refers to the balance between yourself and others, the world and the elements that you have created. So perhaps, I am constantly seeking a comfortable balance and harmony by mixing various tools. If I were to explicitly describe where I draw the line, it would be this in this manner.

Is it possible to find a narrative in your work or is it truly conceptual? 

My role is not to impose a particular message on those who perceive my work. I would be happy if, through my creations, the perspectives of those who see them are broadened, allowing them to perceive the world in a richer way. Even if it’s just a small expression or presence, I believe that I have a role to play and that art holds that role.

Can you describe yourself as truly authentic? How was your journey of self discovery through art?

Through expression, I come to know myself, others, the world, the universe, and even remember what existed before existence itself. Expression is such an act. What I create serves as footprints so that I don’t lose sight of myself. When I’m unsure where to go, or when I’m lost in life, looking back at my definite steps gives me the courage to take the next step. It allows me to remember myself when I’m about to fade away between all the aspects of life, and there are times when I’m saved by what I’ve created. When something resonates at that moment, I am moved because it was truly created for me by myself. So my wish is for all of humanity to somehow bring something they feel into their daily lives, in some.

I am here, writing this, because of my mother, who supported me when I chose to believe only in what I wanted to do, without working a regular job or earning a living. So my expressions are not solely my own creation.

And maybe love is the most important thing. To be alone is empty. It’s okay to stay a child, to enjoy and play with friends in the sandbox, and then to share those happy moments with your family, that should be enough. That is why, above all, I wish for this Earth to be happy.

Interview by Tunga Yankı Tan

From Based Istanbul N°43 – The Winners Club Issue. “For us, winning is deciding to embark on a journey. Ask yourself aloud: If this is a race, who else but me can make the rules? Welcome to the winners club!” Buy your copy now!