The Sims and Surrealism: Welcome to the 3D Utopia of Water Blue
Interview by James ElliottJapanese artist Water Blue has managed to transform their imagination into exuberant 3D worlds brimming with surreal humour and prismatic colour palettes. Drawing on a love for video games such as The Sims, this digital artist has managed to inject contemporary fashion campaigns with a playful energy that mirrors the very philosophy of the game developers they so clearly look up to. This unique virtual universe filled with oversized flora, warped figures and bizarre escapades is a breath of fresh air for the Tokyo fashion scene—a jolt to the system for those playing it all too safe.
Phantasy caught up with the artist to discuss their career so far, touching on spontaneous creative collaborations with Jenny Fax and MIKIOSAKABE, as well as revelatory insights into the young rising stars that are shaping the visuals of the future.
Phantasy: Hi Water Blue, could you please introduce yourself?
Water Blue: I grew up in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, which is home to the country's largest lake. I create videos using 3DCG (three-dimensional computer graphics) and AI, focusing on fashion.
Phantasy: What made you settle on 3D as your main tool?
Water Blue: I've loved making things since I was a child. And for some reason, I was always interested in fashion. However, I felt a sense of discomfort with the idea that “a fashion designer equals someone who makes clothes.” The reason I felt that way is because the way clothes appear can change depending on who is wearing them and the era they’re in. I believe fashion includes not just the clothes themselves, but also the atmosphere of the time and the surrounding environment. The reason I chose 3D is because I felt that the virtual world is well-suited to creating all of those elements. Also, quite simply, I love the texture of 3D.
Phantasy: What influences you to make your work?
Water Blue: I've been influenced by creators across a range of fields, including artists, anime directors, and fashion designers. What has influenced me most is their way of thinking—how they approach their work and engage with their ideas.
I’ve always loved learning about people’s backgrounds and personal stories, and I used to watch Jounetsu Tairiku (a documentary series) regularly.
Of course, I’ve also been deeply influenced by video games. Up until high school, I owned almost every Nintendo console, starting with the Game Boy. I often played simulation games like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon, as well as more obscure dress-up games.
In junior high school, I became completely obsessed with the PC game The Sims 3. The built-in assets weren't enough for me, so I started installing mods to enjoy custom outfits and architecture. It’s actually quite similar to my creative process now. [laughs]
Phantasy: What is your favourite aspect of 3D modelling? Why is it special compared to other forms of expression?
Water Blue: I enjoy the time spent thinking about collaging spaces. It's a creative environment where I can experiment and make many attempts, and I think it's special because it’s a place where something can emerge that exceeds my own thoughts.
Phantasy: Where do you source the references for your work?
Water Blue: I often search online. I also love visiting second-hand bookstores, so I find references there as well. I frequently go to museums and galleries. I love taking walks too, and the nature I see and people’s behaviour often become sources of inspiration.
“I believe that a good piece of work can take your mind to the place it represents. In particular, surrealist works have a connection to the world we live in now. I think they are linked across time, almost like a collective unconscious.”
Phantasy: How would you describe your art?
Water Blue: From the familiar everyday to unfamiliar scenes. I create using elements I’ve intuitively selected from the accumulation of information I absorb in daily life.
Phantasy: You’ve recently worked with the brands Jenny Fax and Mikio Sakabe; how did this creative collaboration come about?
Water Blue: I attended a school called “Me,” which is run by Mikio Sakabe. That’s where I met Mikio-san, and from there, I began receiving work from him.
Phantasy: AI is everywhere right now, taking over the public psyche; what are your thoughts on this new technology? How do you think it will change art and society?
Water Blue: I also use AI occasionally in my creative process. When I do, I think about how far to take the use of AI, balancing it in various ways while creating. I believe that the morals and sensibilities of the person using it become apparent, and I think we’re entering an era where a person's character, not just their use of AI, is being called into question.
Phantasy: Is there a message behind your work, or a particular emotion that you want to evoke in your audience?
Water Blue: I want to create works that allow people to embark on a journey of the mind simply by looking at them.
Phantasy: Of the work that you have created so far, which one are you most proud of?
Water Blue: I’m proud of all my works, but the one I created for grounds holds a special place. It was the first time I was paid for my work. This is where my journey as an artist began.
“My art has taken me to so many places. I’ve met new people and seen all kinds of landscapes. Each time, I’m reminded of how inexperienced I still am. I’ve learned that I can only live my life thanks to the help of many different people each day.”
Phantasy: Who are some of your favourite creators right now? Anyone that you think is underrated and deserves some recognition?
Water Blue: There’s this shoe brand called INVASIVE MODIFICATION. I’m really drawn to the balance they strike between having this futuristic vibe but still being elegant.
Someone else I think deserves more attention is my friend, a春 [a spring]. He’s creating this new kind of environment called MEs, which is aimed towards people who want to think deeply. I really relate to this way in which he approaches AI and digital tools
Phantasy: Any plans for the future you can share with us?
Water Blue: I’m currently working on an original animation!
Phantasy: Thank you for your time!
