Ryuu Takeo

I give the title “Starry Stand” to my Converse shoes I painted. Before explaining the name, I want to clarify that as an artist, I never use others’ work for commercial purposes or sales. All the pieces I create for merchandise or exhibitions are based on my own concepts. Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists in history. He faced a difficult life due to “စိတ်ကျရောဂါ”. In 1889, while staying in a mental asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, he painted Starry Night, inspired by the night view from his window. I’ve always admired this painting, but I’ve never copied it. The artwork on these Converse shoes is my first personal painting. Van Gogh created hundreds of paintings but sold very few. Only after his death did his paintings become world-famous. Many artists receive little recognition during their lives, and often their work is appreciated only posthumously. Van Gogh is a perfect example. Some artists dedicate themselves tirelessly, creating with passion and discipline, yet never see the recognition they deserve. This’s the story behind the portion of Starry Night I chose to depict. On my personal items, such as laptop backpacks, tote bags, and jackets, I often draw whatever inspires me. Hirohiko Araki, the mangaka of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, is highly respected among artists. His exaggerated poses even inspire models in the fashion world. I’m a fan of his longest-running series. After Parts 1 and 2, I wanted to combine the series’ main concept of Stands with Starry Night. A Stand is a spirit-like power that’s not physically alive. In Japanese, it is written “スタンド” (sutando), meaning “something that stands beside you.” The iconic scene where Dio Brando and Jotaro Kujo face each other on the street is widely recognized in memes, and I incorporated that scene into my artwork. I used complementary colors to make it visually striking. To summarize: Many painters spend their lives creating, even if the world never notices them. Van Gogh is a true example. He sold few works while alive, yet after his death, masterpieces like Starry Night became eternal. Painters may die unknown. But like a Stand, their art lives on forever, carrying the spirit they left behind. While I’m alive, I’ll continue creating the paintings and pieces I want. I’m happy to have the opportunity to participate in this Jimmy’s project.