Jun Cha’s Aruidma Studio is located not too far from my adolescent stomping grounds. The Los Angeles Clippers training facility and Electronic Arts’s headquaters are close enough to be neighbors. Equal parts fresh mindset and tradition decades old, his air conditioned office/studio space is welcome relief from the afternoon temperature outdoors mid-June in California. Once upstairs and treated to the visual splendor and much needed water, Jun emerges from a room surrounded by paintings and various equipment. Below is an excerpt of the conversation that ensued, as insights are shared between an uncommon journalist and one of the youngest tattoo artists with the biggest of track record of recent memory.
Let’s contrast styles for a bit, Who influenced you more, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins or “Mr. Cartoon”?
My influences read something like Lucien Ford, Ray Turner, the Hockneys, Mark Ryden, it goes all over the place. Francis Bacon is also awesome, going down the list of illustrators. The fine art world is a very different beast i feel. Murakami is dope, he transcends the typical limitations. Even (Jeff) Koons, nobody sees the stuff that goes into work ethic behind the scenes over the years. Jose Lopez is a huge mentor of mine, and while Mr. Cartoon influenced everyone of this generation, I never directly worked under him, but his impact is there with the style he pioneered.
Agreed, speaking on the fine art world, “Banksy” or (Robert) Rauschenberg?
I think Banksy is more diverse because his palate is so adaptable. Getting into film, (Exit through the gift shop) from street art and into fine art? This generation is already beginning to break boundaries I think. But I still haven’t seen his feature film debut.
Who else in Los Angeles is doing work you admire?
The capable? (Laughs) I think El-Mac and Retna have some beautiful chemistry with each other. Just so many older cats that have been working steady over the years. It’d be interesting to see more of that, the legends with the locals on more sites.
Keeping with the impact of generations, what sort of music was relevant to your youth growing up in Santa Monica? Which are some of your favorite tracks you have on repeat?
I’m very biased to Dr. Dre, Tupac when it comes to hip-hop. (Laughs) Dj Khalil, Self Science they have something new coming out soon. I think Distant Relatives is one of the best albums out right now. They’re going to try to build a hospital or a school with some of the profit from that project? “Patience” right there, that’s my favorite track. I drive everyone else here crazy with that one on repeat. Nas right there? I’m biased. You u know it’s like after listening to that album you can definitely tell Damian is (Bob) Marley’s son. The combination of the two of them is where it’s at. Both Eminem and Drake’s new albums are dope. I can’t think what else is on the ipod off hand though.
Let’s address tattoo culture as a whole for a second, what was changed over the years?
Like everything in life has a cycle, the tattoo industry is no different. From the time of sailor jerry, then it falls back into obscurity, to the Japanese yakuza traditions and back to the underground and then again in with the 90’s and Low-rider coming into the mainstream again. I always try to convey at least for Los Angeles why the black and grey style became so popular. A large group of people don’t see the relationship from (tattooing) culture to fine art and that’s changing. It starts with a day by day, step by step example. Technology and blogs are starting to help people have more access to what they like. More specifically the quality level, depth and meaning behind pieces. I know it sounds corny but if we utilize the technology we can educate the masses. The Dodger tattoos shops and people with Lakers logo’s from Venice Beach? The obvious answer is yes, but time has brought benefits as well for those with the skill and discipline to adapt and remain successful over time. It’s easy to see where the source is, and I think naturally time weeds out everything. Things are going to change of course, but for the most part people who work the hardest will do fine.
Other than friend’s work, whose art you collect and display with pride? I should say, do you fancy yourself a collector of fine art?
I’m honestly a fan of photography and cinema more so. I’m traveling to do Barcelona in September, Japan, the Philippines possibly. Focusing on the art of it, tattooing “the art form” seems to diminish as the business of it becomes increasingly more lucrative. Somewhere in the midst of it I’ll find something I like worth investing into. But owning a (Jean-Michelle) Basquiat or something like that? Not quite just yet. Low Rider Tattoo studios? Its a big honor to come along with them, and everyday I’m working on paintings at the house, but its a daily process.
Jun Cha is a recent graduate of Art Center whose work can be seen on the covers and pages of various tattoo magazines, as well as on the new C1rca “Black Tear” collaboration Shoe now available in stores. For more on his influences, examples of his work and dates of exhibition check out his blog. http://www.arudima.com/wordpress/
Jun is sick!
He’s everywhere and deserves every bit of it. We need this kid!