About

Masashi Ohtsu is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans fine art, film, music, photography, design, and experimental theater. Born in Osaka and raised between Japan and New York, he earned a BFA in Photography from Parsons School of Design—initially entering for Environmental Design but shifting to photography under the mentorship of Noelle Hoeppe and Ben J Fernandez. Early in his career, Masashi photographed campaigns for the renowned bridal designer Yumi Katsura, quickly building a portfolio that included assignments for Interview Magazine, Cosmopolitan Japan, Marie Claire, Vogue Mexico, and other notable clients in fashion, lifestyle, and music.

Masashi’s creative journey gained momentum in the early 1980s in New York’s dynamic downtown art and photography scene. Immersed in an environment of experimentation, he worked in studios, collaborated on immersive installations with the city’s vibrant club culture, exhibited in galleries and institutions, and performed with avant-garde groups such as Squat Theatre, The Working Playground, and 8th Street Productions. During this time, working with Stephen Torton, Masashi studied decorative plaster techniques—a skill that led to extensive collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. For over a decade, he traveled widely, working on construction projects and photographing in Paris, Florence, Dakar, Nicaragua, and throughout Brazil. This exposure to new materials and methods inspired him to integrate innovative construction techniques into his fine art, resulting in mixed-media works that bridged his experiences in both art and design.

In 1995, Masashi and his brother Ben, co-founded BMM art & computer, a groundbreaking New York design and consulting studio that helped shape the early internet era and continues to influence digital creative strategy. At BMM, he contributed to global advertising campaigns, eCommerce platforms, editorial features, and multimedia installations, merging artistic vision with technological innovation.

Masashi's work has been featured internationally, with photography, video, and design published and exhibited around the world. His film work includes collaborations on documentaries in Nicaragua and as co-director and editor of the acclaimed feature, The Black Crowes: Cabin Fever, recognized for its inventive perspective on the celebrated rock band.

Extending his interdisciplinary vision into music, Masashi founded the independent label buddhafunk, dedicated to original and experimental releases. Works such as Wet Pinkey and A Soundtrack to an Imaginary Film exemplify his fusion of sonic exploration and cross-disciplinary artistry.

At the nexus of art, media, and technology, Masashi Ohtsu continues to chart new creative territory, bridging tradition and innovation across genres and disciplines.

Commercial Photography
web site: www.bmmvision.com
LinkedIn Profile

Client List

Andrew Marc
Akka Paris
Bike Magazine
Calvin Klein
Cardiac Records
Cosmopolitan Japan
Cha Cha's House of Ill Repute
Depeche Mode
DKNY
Ear Magazine
Eliza J Dresses
GH Bass
Girl Loves Boy Salon
Graphis
GIII Marketing Group
Interview Magazine
Island Records
Karl Lagerfeld
Levis
Marie Claire
M Topalian Inc
Ongaku Senka Magazine
Pasqual Marais Paris
Piece Detache
Rolling Stone Magazine
Self Salon
The Black Crowes
The Face Magazine
Tommy Hilfiger
Vertigo Magazine
Vilebrequin
Viva Rock Magazine
Vogue Mexico
Warren-Tricomi
Yumi Katsura Bridal
Zasoya
Various Private Commissions

PROJECTS

Current     A Photo a Day (Work in Progress)

2023     Scenes from a Pandemic

2022 Experiments with Sound and Vision (Work in Progress)

2016      Reflections in Transit (Work in Progress)

2011      Release: Wet Pinkey

2010      Release: A Soundtrack to an Imaginary Film
2010      Birth of Son

2009     Black Crowes Cabin Fever Movie: Co-Director, DP, Editor

2001      Established buddhafunk label

1995      Established bmm art & computer inc. Partner/ Creative

PRIVATE COMMISSIONS:

1997     Zucca, NYC
1997     Warren-Tricomi Salon, NYC
1997     Private Residence, NYC
1997     Private Residence, NYC

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:

1992     Janos Gat Gallery, NYC
1992     The Wall, NYU
1990     Club Elements, NYC
1990     Club USA, NYC
1990     The Palladium, Michael Todd Room, NYC

GROUP EXHIBITIONS:

1992     Gallery LOK, NYC

PERFORMER:

1992      8 Street Productions, “King of Pleasure” Teatro LATEA, NYC
1991      Squat Theatre, “Full Moon Killer” The Kitchen, NYC

EDUCATION

Parsons School of Design: BFA, Photography
Currently living and working in New York City

© 2025 Masashi Ohtsu all rights reserved