In this episode of WAS MIT KUNST, Johann König sits down with Japanese artist Etsu Egami to explore the themes of miscommunication, Asian artistic heritage, and global influences in her work. Following the opening of her solo exhibition, MELODY, at KÖNIG GALERIE, Egami discusses her unique approach to portraiture, blending influences from Japanese painting and European figurative traditions.

Egami reflects on her classical training in oil painting – an imported technique in Asia – and how her background in calligraphy informs her signature translucent brushstrokes. She shares insights into her fascination with miscommunication as a visual concept and how her art transforms language barriers into striking, emotive compositions. The conversation touches on the differences between painting from information versus memory and friendship, as well as the universal potential of visual art to bridge cultural divides.

Together, Egami and König delve into the influences behind MELODY, from pop icons like John Lennon and Freddie Mercury to composers like Mozart. Egami also discusses her first full-length group portrait, examining how her work distills the human figure into a grammar of gesture and color.

Listen in to hear why Egami believes art is a universal language and how she uses painting to reimagine the way we see and connect with one another.

Learn more about the artist HERE View the exhibition HERE