The famous actor Johnny Depp came to Japan this week as an artist. At the press conference for his major exhibition, A Bunch of Stuff, on November 27th, Depp used his own words to explain his work. His message was clear: painting is an urgent necessity. He also explained in detail why he chose Tokyo to share this personal, powerful work.
Depp spoke about his long creative career—acting, music, and painting. When asked how these different paths connect, he said they all come from the same strong, inner drive to create.
“Acting is a form of expression, music certainly the same, and painting, drawing, creating something.” He said, as he explained his drive to create. “I find that that is the one true, constant necessity that I must have. Otherwise, my brain will explode.”
This powerful quote is the core of the whole show. It tells visitors that the 60+ artworks are driven by a survival need, not just a career move. The work must be done. He also spoke humbly about his status as an artist.
“I don't claim to be anything other than at most someone who paints,” he said several times over the course of the interview. “I am not even a painter, really.”
Depp said the choice of Tokyo for this important show was very deliberate. He sees the city as unique because it offers pure honesty, a perfect test for his personal art. He spoke about the difference between Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles (LA).
“New York is what it is, and Los Angeles is a different beast altogether,” he said, laughing. “Most of LA, their opinion comes after asking four or five friends what’s their opinion. Then they form their opinion to match their friends’ opinions.”
He stressed that Tokyo is different. When it comes to art, there is no waiting for what others think.
“In Tokyo, you’re guaranteed an honest opinion or no opinion, people will feel your work, or something will click with your work, or it won’t. But no one will view it, shrug and say, ‘Uh, it’s alright.’ You know?”
He called Tokyo a "challenge" for an artist.
“But that my work would be welcomed here is an honor. This is a very globally important place for art and artists.”
The art itself is spread across two main areas. The White Box holds the 60+ original paintings, sketches, and personal objects. This space is a free-flowing labyrinth of three decades of work.
This is where the viewer is closest to the physical act of creation.
The Black Box is the technological core—a 360-degree film that brings the paintings to life. This immersive structure, created with TAIT, ensures the art is experienced with both the eyes and the emotions. The overall experience also includes a Bodega entrance shop and a concept café, making the exhibit a full cultural destination.
The exhibition features portraits of people who inspired Depp. He talked about his inspirations when we spoke with him at the event.
“I did portraits of people who inspired me,” Depp said. “Marlon Brando inspired me to no end in every way. He was an official giant toddler, as I am a giant toddler. As well as Hedy Lamarr, she was an actress but also a very brilliant inventor in the 1940s.”
The style of the art reflects many influences. You can see the powerful energy of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in some of Depp’s creations. The show is full of strong feelings, both happy and dark. The most unforgettable theme is the “Death by Confetti” aspect of the exhibit. It is both macabre and mesmerizing.
Depp also spoke about the quiet, internal side of his life that informs his art. He described the years with his former partner, Vanessa Paradis, as a key source of peace. He recalled his quiet years with his children, saying: “I got to be just daddy for a while... Hence the title of her record ‘Bliss’. It was bliss.”
Finally, the show is notable for its world-class production. It is a collaboration between global leaders like NSN (large-scale events), BAUART (museum creation and immersive experiences), and Pantheon Art (art management). Their combined effort was necessary to create a "globally important" show that lives up to the challenge Depp set for Tokyo.
