Multi-talent Johnny Depp Shows Tokyo his Passion for Painting
Artist, actor, musician and moviemaker Johnny Depp staged a spectacularly late entrance in his bohemian style of trademark tatty jeans, black fedora and vintage scarf at a packed press conference to launch his immersive journey through art and life exhibition in Tokyo on Nov 27. The Hollywood legend has bared his creative soul by exploring 30 years as an artist and bringing the result to Japan, the only country outside of the US to stage A Bunch of Stuff, An Immersive Experience Through Johnny Depp’s Art and Life.
On his first trip to Japan in more than eight years, Depp told the media that although music and movies have been a big part of his life for a long time, “art is very personal and comes out in an abstract way, drawing on a huge part of my existence.”
After hearing his comments expertly interpreted into Japanese, Depp seemed starstruck at the female interpreter: “I love you so much,” he repeated several times, to loud laughter from the audience. “I can’t keep it a secret!”
He explained his decision to visit Tokyo: “We had a discussion and it made sense to come to Japan,” he said, replying to a question. A Bunch of Stuff, Depp said, is an exploration of how his artistic practice has reflected and enriched his life throughout its various stages.
How did you begin painting? “Because I love to draw! From starting coloring books at age 30,” he joked. “I began experimenting with paint, adding color and this and that. It was like a great escape for my brain. I got more interested in it, but never took lessons; I tried to learn by watching, reading, listening and understanding the various techniques necessary to learn art. Then I found these images coming out of my brain subconsciously and unconsciously. Acting and music are forms of expression and painting and drawing is the one true constant necessity I must have or my brain will explode. It’s a necessary thing for me.”
Who inspired you? “I have done portraits of the people who’ve inspired me most, my heroes like Marlon Brando, Patti Smith and Hede Lamarr.” Who? He explained that Austrian-American actress and inventor Lamarr was a “brilliant person” who created a system to provide secure communication for weapon guidance in the 1940s that was later “stolen” by the US military. Actually, Johnny, the patent had expired. “I think I had just arrived in a place in my life when you start to realize, look back and think, yes, I did that. I think limiting yourself is the wrong thing for anyone to do.”
The multidisciplinary artist uses painting, drawing, collage and screen printing to express his feelings and observations of human behavior. This isn’t just about viewing paintings; it’s about walking through the places he’s been, seeing the people he’s known and exploring the possessions that have shaped his journey. “A Bunch of Stuff uncovers 30 years of Johnny Depp as an artist … the places he’s been, the people he’s seen and the possessions he’s owned, all brought via multiple thematic galleries, culminating in a cinematic immersive glimpse into the world of Johnny Depp,” according to publicists.
What started as a compulsive need to create, to explore his thoughts and feelings, has developed into a rich and varied body of work, infused with wide-ranging influences from art history.
At the beating heart of the exhibition lies the Black Box: a 360-degree visual experience that immerses viewers in his artwork, meticulously designed to transform it from canvas to animated film. The White Box, meanwhile, surrounds it and features more than 60 physical artworks created by Depp. Displayed thematically across five distinct chapters, The White Box leads you through the different threads of Depp’s life as an artist.
As we navigated this free-flowing labyrinth, we encountered Depp’s diverse creativity and personal artifacts from his world, designed to provide “deeper insight into the inspirations and stories behind each piece. ”Visitors step into the experience from the moment they arrive. The bodega at the entrance is more than just a shop—it’s an integral part of the exhibit. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of themed items, from artworks to keepsakes such as limited edition “Old Books” scented travel candles and room spray created in collaboration with legendary British perfumer Azzi Glasser, each offering a piece of the story behind the exhibition.
We enjoyed connoisseur rum and Colombian coffee, served by Depp’s high-energy team. With no obvious start, middle or end, visitors follow the deep-red floor-to-wall curtains to enter, enjoy and leave at their own pace, probably in under an hour, “making each journey through the Black Box a personal and unique exploration of Johnny Depp’s art.”
A Bunch of Stuff, An Immersive Experience Through Johnny Depp’s Art and Life says all ages are welcome, but the odd Depp f-bomb in text and audio might make some parents cover their kids’ ears and eyes.
Visit the exhibition website here.
