Is this what a future dystopia will look like? Born in 2000, the 25-year-old artist Cream Ecoes creates works that, in stark contrast to his calm demeanor, seem to reflect the chaotic state of our world.
The Unique Colors of Cream Ecoes
Based in Tokyo, Cream Ecoes has been active for three years, having transitioned from being in a band to becoming an artist and illustrator. His distinctive color palettes and motifs have attracted attention, leading to solo exhibitions across Japan and even in Taiwan. We sat down with the artist, whose work and name are shrouded in mystery, to talk about his creative process, his passions, and even his recent interest in urban legends.
Thanks for joining us today. We last met at the ZINE fair held at COMMON, the cafe and bar in Roppongi, didn’t we?
Cream Ecoes – Thanks for having me. I love zines, so I just went to check it out. I’ve actually made a zine once in the past. I’m not the best at putting things into words, but I feel that zines are a great way to fully express my worldview, so I’d like to keep making them.
From the very first time I saw your work, your use of “color” was what struck me. How do you decide on your color schemes?
C – Hmm, how do I decide…? But color is extremely important to me. I reference unusual color schemes I’ve discovered in the past, or I try out new combinations to see what works. I feel like my color palettes have gotten more vibrant lately. I’ve started incorporating colors I never used before, like pink.
Does it feel like your relationship with your work has become lighter or more free?
C – Definitely. On a daily basis, I’m always thinking, “I want to be free from the constraints and restrictions of my work!” (laughs). I had the chance to go to Europe recently, and during the trip, I took walks, which is something I don’t normally do, and I would commit the cityscapes and the people walking by to memory.
Creating Landscapes No One Has Ever Seen
Are there any landscapes or things from your childhood that left a strong impression on you?
C – I grew up in Miyagi Prefecture, and I used to snowboard a lot as a kid. I often wore gear from a brand called “kissmark” that was sold at my local sporting goods store.They had a lot of items with vivid color schemes you couldn’t find anywhere else, and I feel like it influenced me in some small way.
Are there any artists who have influenced you?
C – Actually, I don’t know much about artists at all. I was in a band back in my school days, so the only artist I knew of was Hiroshi Nagai, who did the album jackets for Eiichi Ohtaki. He’s still one of my favorite artists today.By 2022, I felt like I was done with the band, and that’s when I started painting. Since then, I think my own style has developed as I’ve been exposed to the work of various artists.
I sense a similar vibe in the way you blur the boundaries of color and depict anonymous landscapes that could be anywhere and nowhere.
C – I sometimes include motifs that people have never seen before, combining squishy, jagged, and spiky textures to create mysterious landscapes.
The World of Cream Ecoes: A Fusion of Digital and Analog
Could you tell us about your production process? Do you usually work at home, which also serves as your studio?
C – Yes. I also sometimes work at an office I share with a friend, or at a local Doutor coffee shop. My whole process can be completed on a single laptop, so I can actually work anywhere.
That’s surprising!
C – I mainly use Photoshop and Illustrator. I often draw lines using just the trackpad’s drawing functions, but for finer details or areas where I want to leave some space, I sometimes scan in materials drawn with a ballpoint pen. I’ve always admired physical paintings, like oil paintings, so I’ve tried them a few times, but I could never create something that felt right. I’d like to try my hand at that kind of work someday
How long does it take you to complete one piece?
C – It really depends, but sometimes a draft can be done in just two or three hours. When an exhibition is approaching, I’m creating pieces on my computer every day. But I generally try to work as Cream Ecoes on weekdays and leave the rest of the week for other tasks or as days off. That said, ideas and images often come to me in my daily life.
Your solo exhibition in Taiwan, “In my head?(or) In your head?,” opens on August 15th, 2025, right?
C – I had a solo exhibition in Taiwan once before, in February 2025. A gallerist I met at that time is the one who set up this current exhibition for me. It all started with a message I received on Instagram DM, and that led to my first visit to Taiwan to be present at the gallery. I was relieved to hear that many people came to see the show even after I had returned to Japan. This time, the exhibition is at an art space in Taipei where they also serve food and drink. I’m planning to display 16 pieces in total, including four new works and three pieces from my solo show in Miyagi this past May.
In Part 2, we’ll delve deeper into the personal side of Cream Ecoes. Stay tuned for the next installment!
