Jon Koko is a Swedish artist whose work is inspired by the purity and essence of Japanese art. Inspired by music, architecture and buddhist philosophy, Jon Koko paints a minimalist arts from which can be felt serenity, introspection and creativity. He collaborated with Maison Kitsuné while painting for the collection Formidable Courage, and illustrates today Kitsuné Hot Stream following the same inspiration.

“Music is probably one of the most inspiring things in my life.” (Jon Koko)

Do you remember the first picture (illustration) you’ve ever taken (made)? What was it? Would you mind sharing it with us ?

This is one of my first illustration I made in the style I created.

I wanted to make a melancholic feeling of what I believed our society looks like. It is made in 2011.

Vi går och dränker oss

Does music inspire your work?

Music is probably one of the most inspiring things in my life. Its also very important for doing art work indeed.

If your art was a song, what would it be? Why?

Toshifumi Hinata – Sarah’s Crime

This is what I wish my art would sound like. This is kinda ideal art for me.

It has 80’s vibes with the looping drum machine and synths, but at the same time a retro and oriental feeling that feels very traditional and timeless. This contrast is everything, between stiffness and softness, old and new.

If you could shoot/draw one artist for its album cover, who would it be? Why? 

It would be a huge challenge but I would say Harold Budd would be the biggest of all dreams. He has inspired me so much with his ambient music, it automatically creates images in my mind like no other. Other than that I would say Brian Eno and also Stars of the Lid.

Now that you have linked your pictures (illustrations) with music, what other art would you like to explore?

I would like to go deeper into architecture for sure and flower arrangement.

Follow Jon Koko : instagram – website