Japanese player Naomi Osaka‘s love for art runs so deep that she once declared “I am a work of art,” while visiting the Louvre Museum. Her Manga-inspired Halloween looks created a separate fanbase, especially when she showed up as Demon Slayer’s Nezuko Kamado amalgamating fashion with storytelling and creative art. From red carpets to tennis courts, Osaka’s style has always spoken for her artistic inclination. But now, she has unveiled an independent artist showcasing her zeal to bring creative minds into the spotlight!
Apart from tennis, Osaka’s endless creativity and aesthetic drive are channeled in various ways. She appeared on the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala and mesmerized everyone through her ensemble – an ode to her Japanese culture that featured koi fish. She wore a digital watercolor dress, designed by her sister Mari for Louis Vuitton, celebrating Osaka’s multicultural roots and her role in the American Dream. While she stole the spotlight with her wearable art, she didn’t limit her appreciation to the runaway. The WTA No. 44 introduced another artist, whose brush strokes garnered her attention.
Osaka shared the story of Edhi, an architectural designer from France, who drew her IG handle’s profile picture. Edhi shared a reel highlighting his happiness when he found out his art found its way to the inspiration. “I discovered that Naomi Osaka was proudly displaying one of my original works. I feel touched and honored to see my work come alive in the eyes of people who inspire me everyday,” the artist said in the video.
This message was soon acknowledged by Osaka, who shared the reel on her IG story with a shout-out: “For everyone who asks where my pfp is from.” Her gesture showcased her down-to-earth nature and the intention to give spotlights to independent artists.
Aug 27, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) serves against Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)(not pictured) in a women’s singles match on day two of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
However, it is not Osaka’s first time being an artist’s muse. In 2021, her sister Mari, a former tennis player and a fashion designer, created five original digital artworks for the collection The Colors of Naomi Osaka, which was sold for $600,000 on Basic.Space. Osaka reflected on this initiative, revealing her role as a passionate art collector. Although her words hyped her sister’s talent, they visualized Osaka’s commitment to art. “I’d say that I dabble as a curator; but I’m also a passionate collector. Mari is the actual artist,” she said.
Osaka later spilled the secret about her inclination toward art while explaining her intention behind the NFTs. “My sister and I have been drawing since we were little kids in the back of my mom’s car on the way to tennis matches. Mari is especially talented. So when we saw the NFT space, emerge we thought it was a great opportunity to showcase her digital art,” she said to Vogue.
From manga-inspired Halloweeen looks to collaborating with independent and native artists for a curated Naomi Osaka-inspired collection for Etsy, Osaka’s artistic passion extends beyond the court. And even on the Melbourne court this year, this WTA No. 44 ended up inspiring a photographer whose vision brought her essence to a new light.
Naomi Osaka’s artistic sensibilities find inspiration in Japanese roots
When Osaka dominated Caroline Garcia in the Happy Slam’s first round, her picture taken by photographer Edgar Su became a sensation. The picture captured Osaka mid-serve, with her intricately-braided hair tossing behind her in a curve. A social media account ArtButMakeItSports drew parallels between that and the Great Wave off Kanagawa, a woodblock print depicting ocean weaves by ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. The post quickly went viral with 213,000 reactions and 10,000 likes.
Osaka was also envisioned as a comic character. This four-time Grand Slam champion was featured in Nakayoshi magazine in 2020, as a character Naomi Tenkaichi. Reflecting on this, she said, “Growing up reading manga/watching anime was something that bonded me and my sister immensely so this is really exciting for both of us.”
She also extended her creative spree to designing her daughter Shai’s nursery. She collaborated with Crate & Barrel and painted her daughter’s room with muted pink and sky blue. She purposefully prioritized the colors to make the room peaceful and non-provocative – once again putting her aesthetic sense into all she does.
Osaka’s love for arts goes beyond her personal projects. Through her company Hana Kuma, this Japanese player developing an adult anime series Allure: The Evening Primrose with Rebel Maverick. Based on Noir Caesar’s manga of the same name written by Sinitus Tempo, the development team showcases brilliant minds like Matt Nicholas and Nastassja Kaylin and the story features Akane Koizumi (Naomi Osaka) as the main character.
Naomi Osaka’s love for art brings the brilliance of many unknown independent artists into the spotlight. Be it the tennis court or the creative world, she is leaving a mark behind, influencing and inspiring many.
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