IRON ARTIST GRAND COBRA
Based in Osaka, the iron artist known as “Macho-san” or GRAND COBRA is dedicated to the medium of iron. Not only is he active in the domestic underground and street scenes, but he also creates works for major events such as monuments for the 2025 Osaka Expo. GRAND COBRA shapes iron freely, breathing life into this inorganic material, and his works convey the essence of street culture along with the warmth of handcrafted art.
He shared his story with us as follows: “Since I am from a rural area in Okayama, I once received permission and made arrangements to display my work in the middle of a rice field, but I got scolded for it! I think my work went beyond what they expected. However, that’s the kind of thing I want to do. Imagine an unbelievable piece in the middle of a rural road flanked by rice fields.
When I was in the village, it was the era of the biker gangs and Be-Bop High School. I had never seen anyone who would be identified as a rebel in the city. Yet, I admired and longed for the rebellious subculture. I was struck by the punk tails and bamboo spears. I reflect this impact through my own filter in my works. These elements are part of Japanese culture, and I think it would be interesting to mix them into my art. This is the concept and foundation of my current work.”