The internet connects the world. Someone in Illinois and someone in Japan become neighbors. I have never met CHI in person, but we now often talk online. She will tell me about life in Japan and I will tell her about life in the USA. She asks me about tacos and I ask her about takoyaki.
After I approached her with the idea of a collaboration, CHI took the initiative and developed a series of short animations based off of a photo composition I made of an electric outlet. We went back and forth about the process and timing of sharing it and then we did. And the likes, the views, the comments, the reposts have continued for over two months and counting. CHI posted one video and I another, and between the two we are approaching 60,000 views on X alone. I give credit to CHI for the bulk of those numbers, she has a large and enthusiastic audience.
Not only has it been the greatest reach of any artwork I have been involved in so far, it has led me to other collaborations with artists and musicians in Japan. CHI has yet to visit the USA, but is already making an impact here. Proving that through art and the internet, one person with an office job can make a positive impact on the other side of the world. My thanks to CHI for joining me on this adventure and for welcoming me to the other side of the world, something I fully reciprocate. The next step is to bridge our two countries through arts and culture and create a physical cultural exchange between them, more on that to come.
Here what CHI has to say about it on X:
Collaboration with Anthony, @HighwayBluesArt 🎨✨
I’m so excited to share this collaboration with Anthony, an artist I deeply admire and respect.🥹
We’ve been working on this since May, and I’m so happy to finally share it with everyone!🙌
The moment I saw his art, my playful characters wanted to jump into his world and cause a little chaos. 😆
Thank you, Anthony, for the inspiration and friendship.
I would be so happy if many people could enjoy and see our work. 🌈
Thank you,
Anthony Lachus
You can find CHI on X at: @nochifun
I am on X at: @highwaybluesart