Wondering with Osamu Watanabe
As part of Wonders of Nature, New Art Museum Singapore’s immersive celebration of biodiversity and imagination, Japanese artist Osamu Watanabe brings the whimsical charm of confectionery into art. A pioneer of Fake Cream Art, he playfully reimagines classical subjects and cultural icons through sugary, edible-looking creations inspired by childhood memories and the spirit of “kawaii.” In this interview, Watanabe shares the inspirations behind his sweet worlds and how he balances nostalgia, humor, and tradition in his practice.
Osamu Watanabe’s Artworks in Wonders of Nature
Your mother’s influence as a confectionery school teacher played a big role in shaping your artistic path. How did those early experiences with sweets evolve into your signature Fake Cream Art?
Since my mother worked as an instructor at a confectionery school, our home was always filled with a sweet aroma, and sweets were a natural part of my everyday life. When I entered art university and was searching for my own form of expression, I felt it was most natural to give my artworks the shape of my memories of sweets, which had been deeply etched in my heart since childhood. It all began when I tried squeezing acrylic modeling paste as if it were cream, which eventually led to my current practice of fake cream art.
Many of your works reinterpret classical subjects and heritage icons through playful, decorative forms. What draws you to reimagine these traditional themes in such a whimsical way?
Classical works and traditional culture represent both the history of art and society’s collective memory. By layering the lighthearted and familiar motif of “sweets” onto them, I hope to soften the distance between the viewer and the work, creating an opportunity to reconsider their value from a new perspective. I aim to combine the solemnity and authority of tradition with the sweetness and playfulness of sweets, giving my works a sense of humor and room for multiple interpretations.
You’ve collaborated across diverse fields — from department stores to animation creators. How do these cross-industry projects shape or expand your artistic vision?
Collaborating across different fields provides an important opportunity to extend art beyond its usual boundaries and share my expression with the world. Exhibitions in department stores allow art to reach people in everyday settings, while collaborations with animation give imagination more freedom to expand. Working in different fields keeps my expression fresh and helps me continually explore the possibilities of art. Just as Yves Klein enveloped the world in “blue,” I hope to wrap the world in “cream.”
As a key figure in the Kawaii Art Movement, how do you see your practice contributing to Japan’s contemporary art scene and what directions are you excited to explore next?
The sense of “kawaii” may seem light at first glance, but I feel it reflects a uniquely Japanese sensibility and represents a significant theme that extends deep into society and culture. Through the concept of “kawaii,” I hope to share a wide range of emotions and create spaces where people can connect with art even closer. Going forward, I aim to reexamine the power of “kawaii” in an international context and explore new forms of expression that resonate in contemporary society—through the use of digital media and new materials, as well as museum solo exhibitions.
Osamu Watanabe’s intricate, confectionary-inspired creations invite viewers into a world where nostalgia, playfulness, and tradition merge in unexpected ways. By transforming classical icons and cultural symbols with his signature Fake Cream Art, he softens the distance between art and audience, turning solemnity into sweetness. His contribution to Wonders of Nature celebrates the joy of imagination and the spirit of “kawaii,” reminding us that even the most familiar forms can be seen anew. Step into his sugary landscapes and rediscover the delight of wonder through art.