Ken Nakajima is a multi-disciplinary artist, covering aspects of theatre, dance, and visual arts. His practice particularly focuses on the human condition. Choosing to exhibit this focus through the experimentation of the human body using movement & design, assisted by mythological and psychological themes. Currently, an associate artist for the State of the Art collective, with past projects working with the Teatro di Roma (National Theatre in Rome) for the Dominio Pubblico Arts Festival. He now attends Central Saint Martins (UAL) studying MA Performance Design & Practice. Instagram: @kxn.nak

Where would you like your work to take you?

I'd like my work to eventually be presented at arts festivals and venues across the globe. Performing, directing and collaborating with artists from everywhere. Eventually I would love to start my own international dance/theatre company, not only to present work but also be opened to emerging artists and local communities to participate in projects, workshops and fundraising for local charities.  

Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?

It's fun to be in the writing process for projects, however, it’s the most exciting when you finally get into the space, and start physicalising all the ideas and designs you have in mind. Sure it's stressful and there is moments where you just sit in silence, but the act of being present in the space and slowly building something is truly magical. It's even better when you're working with a collective of people, and all of your ideas are refined, challenged and realised in the space.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

It's rather difficult to pinpoint but, mainly a culmination of observing society, personal experiences, mythology and observing other works from artists that speak to me. Oh and also cinema. 

It's funny because it can be the smallest thing as watching people walk in a crowdy place, the way people intersect, stop and interact with each other. You can really dissect those elements and use it as material. It's one of those absurd dreams of mine to stage a performance at a busy train station.

If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I'm going to cheat this question, because I can't choose between one or the other. So I would say Dimitris Papaioannou, Pina Bausch, Marina Abramovic, Akram Khan, Alvin Ailey, Marion Motin and Romeo Castellucci. I've named a lot of people but every single one of these artists have been a huge inspiration in terms of my practice but also they never hesitate to explore the themes of vulnerability and identity through their works. They have helped me to generate work that is honest to myself but also to the spectators.

Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?

Other than theatre/dance makers I would say Thom York and Olafur Eliasson. In terms of friends who I've collaborated with, I can't be specific, because I would argue that each and every one of them have inspired me or challenged in some way, whether if it's artistic or personal. So thank you, and I hope to see you all again one day.