about

Ko IRKT Ikeda was born in US and raised in several countries such as UK,
Japan and France. Since 2004, he resides and works in New York City.

IRKT (I-ru-ku-to)(Individual Relative K(C)ontradiction Theory is my conceptual design for artistry, logo and project name to pursue my creations.
My interest arises out of the desire to pursue the concept of the self, exposing the contradictions, which exist internally and externally. A journey to find myself has
continued since I was a child. Having lived in 3 different continents America, Europe and Asia, I have always been asking who am I? and what is my identity? I was
confused with nationality, ethnicity and myself (in the name of identity). Wherever I was, I could not embrace myself.

The meaning of the number "3" is not only 3 continents but also 3 essentially different views of the individual in my artwork: Subjective view of myself; Objective view
of myself and the I that is recognized by a third party. The viewer of my artworks will notice 3; distinctive colors, objects or triangle shapes. These 3 points are
expressed differently in my each artwork. For example, Bunny Mask person is trying to analyze the "self" objectively but cannot find the perfect answer for it. Usually,
there is a gap between the you who think who you are and the you who are thought to be. I believe that what you think and what others think are all piece of your
self like a jigsaw puzzle. If there are 100 friends of yours, there will be 100 different "you"s will exist.

This is not to suggest that this concept results in a seemingly perfect relationship. There are always times when one confronts conflicts that arise either from externally
or internally derived dilemmas. As long as it is the individual or "self" which is to be considered, there is more than one way to come to terms with what is behind this
discord. There is a moment in which to absorb the matter as it seems to be, and one in which to shift it into the category of "contradiction" where it can take the form
as respect, understanding or even careless regard for consequences. All have both positive an negative attributes, each serving as a fundamental, building block of
an individual's character. This is the "Relativity" that exists within the "self" and becomes the basis of self-made identity.

I bring an overlooked third element to my artwork, expressed through the individualfs mind their values, and creative energies. In a world described through
dichotomy, the purpose behind my artwork is to focus on finding and describing the "vagueness", which exists in these contradictions and in the mind of person. The
concept of "contradiction" possesses considerable energy and exists between each of these elements. I am interested in discovering and exposing the individual or
"self" that lies beyond these various contradictions, and to ascertain piece-by-piece elements that define one's raison d'e^tre.

biography

bibliography

ART FUSE "Allfs Fair and Affordable in Art" - 2012/4/19
Article and photos by Oscar A. Laluyan

Inteview by Roslyn Nieves - 2010/8
Queens Public Television "QPTV" Featured Queens Art Express Festival 2010