History is full of painters, architects, and sculptors, but there have always been, and always will be, countless methods any artist can use to express themselves. From scrap metal and ceramics, to animation and crafts, there are no limits on what material can be turned into something special. But we can’t think of any artists who utilize the same item as Japan’s Kiwamu Miyakubo. His art requires something both dangerous and fleeting. He’s a “flame artist” who wields swords of fire to make majestic kinetic performances.
“Flame artist” sounds like a terrific ironic name for a pyro-loving comic book villain. Kiwamu “Ken” Miyakubo is anything but. Whether indoors or outdoors, he turns literal flames from a special sword into videos and live performances that capture the beauty and power of fire.
At his website Kiwamu explained where his love for fire comes from:
Unable to forget the beauty of the flickering flames he saw when he was young, he pursues the ability to manipulate flames using the knowledge and skills he gained on the other side of the sea. He makes full use of the tools he created to express everything from flashy flames with sparks and explosions to small flames flickering in a 6-tatami room. Expressing the ephemerality and strength of flame, it leaves an impression on those who see it.
These are mesmerizing to watch on our computer screen. We can only imagine what it’s like to see him in person. You can do that whevern you like, too. He takes bookings to perform what he calls a “flame dance.” Those performances last anywhere from three to 30 minutes. (Don’t worry about having him at an indoor show. He uses a “special fuel that has almost no smoke or odor, so it won’t pollute the room.” And “if flames are not available, juggling and LED shows can also be used.”)
He also offers what he calls “technical cooperation” for those looking to dazzle a group. He will help set up a performance “using flames and other elements for video and photographic works.”
He also sells a “fire katana” for budding flame artists.
That might be a rare occupation now, but we expect more of them after people see Miyakubo perform.