Ayumi Endo - The Japanese artist behind the viral Duterte art.

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I have long regarded the Japanese as one of the most honorable people on the planet as their whole culture emphasises that virtue heavily.

As such it was a curious thing when a mixed media artist from Osaka started creating original and inspiring digital pieces about Rodrigo Duterte in the midst of the 2016 Presidential election.

 The artist’s name is Ayumi Endo and these are the art covers she did:

 The Patriot

The 1st piece Ayumi made with the Mayor's signature mannerism and the Philippine flag emanating from him. This piece is named "The Patriot".

Tatay Digong:

The 2nd piece by Ayumi Endo shows the Mayor with children and the sign of peace. This is titled "Tatay Digong"

Change is Coming:

This is the piece that Ayumi Endo made when Rodrigo Duterte won the election. It shows the jubilation and the rising sun. Simply baptised as "Change is Coming"

They have collectively garnered around 10,000 shares on Facebook and countless Likes.

For a few minutes I got to interview Ayumi Endo and found out more about the story behind the extremely symbolic Duterte digital art pieces. In this interview, we are with her manager (and translator) Billie Camille Ballesteros.

Hi Ayumi and Billie!

Hi Ayumi and Billie!

Hello!

What’s the turning point in your life that made you decide to be an artist?

I started working at a fashion boutique when I was 17, and there I began sketching, designing T-shirts. Then I realized a need for me to express myself, so eventually I started painting on canvas... from a small canvas, I moved on to bigger canvases. Eventually when things got broad and bigger for me, I went to New York to unplug and to think whether painting is and will be my life. That’s when I decided... we only live once and painting was really my passion.

Were you alone when you went to New York?

Yes, I travelled alone, but I do have friends there.

How old were you when you started painting?

I started painting on canvas when I was 22 years old.

Is there one artist or person that inspired you to be who you are now?

I do love a number of painters but that one person who made an impact on me, to pursue the kind of passion that I have now is Jane Goodall. She sacrificed nine years of her life in an advocacy, for animal welfare, the chimpanzees. I came across her... it was in a magazine or on TV and everything about her fascinated me—her passion as well as her dedication to make a mark in her generation. Jane’s work has taught thousands of people about chimpanzees. It is as if she opened a window to the chimpanzee world. People all over the world know and love the chimpanzees of Gombe.

So how did you know about the Mayor and his campaign to be our President?

Well, I was invited by the USC-SAFAD (University of San Carlos - School of Architecture Fine Arts and Design) for a live painting session as well as a big event with Mega Cebu. Thru my manager Billie and the people of Cebu, I learned all about how the Mayor lead by example and all the great stories of his leadership.

Ayumi at the USC for a live painting show

What inspired you to create the Duterte art covers?

My inspiration is the people of the Philippines who really wanted change. I can feel them yearning for it.

How long did it take you to paint these pieces?

From concept to finishing touches - it takes me around 2 weeks on each design.

What do you think is the change that the Filipinos want to see happen under Duterte?

The discipline, peace and order, cleanliness, and of course a relatively drug free country. These are found also in my home country - Japan so it is possible.

What else do you like to do aside from painting?

I am setting my eyes on playing the piano and writing a song. I am always bent on challenging myself.

As an artist, will you go out of your comfort zone just to pursue your passion?

I make it sure that I push myself instead of just settling for whatever's in front of me. I know that there’s a big undiscovered world out there. It’s not easy to travel by myself in the quest for personal answers but I have to do it. It’s a necessity to find ourselves. If I didn't take challenges I wouldn't be here in Cebu now.

What is your message to the Filipino people?

Thank you for the support! And I am so happy Rodrigo Duterte won! Change is coming! Arigato!

It was a pleasure interviewing Ayumi and Billie and we thank them both for inspiring us all during the campaign.

Please like her page for her next adventure at the official Ayumi Endo Philippines Facebook page, her Instagram at @87ayumi, her twitter at https://twitter.com/AYUMI_A_Live and her website at https://salon.io/AYUMI

“Please SHARE! Arigatou gozaimasu!” - Ayumi

Source: ERIC CLARK SU