Shohei Yamamoto
Painter Shohei Yamamoto’s popular series is created using a distinctive technique involving rollers.
As the roller turns, the projected image becomes increasingly faint with each repetition.
In contrast to the digital process of copy-and-paste, by using an analog, physical method of expression, he incorporates inevitable change and chance into his work.
Images repeated by the roller are transferred onto a carefully prepared surface.
The paint traces left behind create very subtle and delicate trajectories.
Named “reiterate” — meaning to repeat — this popular series by Shohei Yamamoto has gained strong support.
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School Graduation Exhibition
The first time I met and spoke with Shohei Yamamoto was at the graduate school graduation exhibition held at Kyoto University of Art and Design.
I had heard that the graduation work of Kurumi Kotani, whose pieces I collected, would also be exhibited, and I had been intrigued by Yamamoto’s work seen on Instagram, so it was a convenient opportunity for me.
KUAD ANNUAL 2019: Spaceship Earth
After the graduation exhibition, there was an opportunity for exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum at a different venue.
This was the “KUAD ANNUAL 2019: Spaceship Earth” (held February 23-26, 2019), a selective exhibition of undergraduate and graduate students curated by Kyoto Zokei’s Professor Mami Kataoka.
Production Process
Shohei Yamamoto is a young artist who just graduated from the graduate school of Kyoto University of Art and Design this spring.
His current “Reiterate” series uses self-made rollers to repeat and express images on canvas.
* Studio during his graduate school days at Kyoto Zokei
He makes rollers matching each work’s size, drops paint onto them, and rolls them across the canvas.
The paint transfers to the support, but since it’s a one-shot process, he says his heart races considerably during this time.
I visited his studio in Osaka and observed his production process.
I was allowed to film the production process of the new series on video.
Art Award Tokyo
At “Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi 2019,” held June 5-20, he was named one of 25 artists selected from approximately 11,000 submitted works.
His work won the Embassy of France in Japan Award, and as a supplementary prize, a solo exhibition in January 2020 was arranged.
HANKYU Art Fair -Neo SEED-
Immediately after Art Award Tokyo, the “HANKYU Art Fair -Neo SEED-” group exhibition was held at Hankyu Umeda Main Store from June 26 to July 1, 2019.
Among the many exhibiting artists, Yamamoto’s work was chosen for the DM (direct mail) design.
Perhaps buoyed by his momentum at Art Award Tokyo, all 11 of his works sold out on the first day. He’s on quite a roll!
Yamamoto’s Works from a Collector’s Perspective
As a collector of Yamamoto’s work, I’ve summarized my thoughts on his art.
- Painterly Appeal
His works have concept and originality, standing independently and uniquely as Shohei Yamamoto’s works.
The production techniques not seen in other artists, combined with the strength of the works, suggests potential to compete internationally. - Design-Oriented Visuals
Beyond motifs like the Laocoon Group, roller works image expands to include flowers, skulls, letters, and more.
The rendered images have excellent design-oriented quality. - Complex Matière
The carefully prepared base impresses greatly. The quality reflects his high skill as a painter. I hope you can see it with your own eyes. - Custom Panels
He uses custom-made wooden panels with linen-based supports. He’s also particular about the fabric, using double-thread linen.
The thickness (40mm for F10 size) provides strength to withstand the roller pressure. - Certificate of Authenticity and Shipping
Because I purchased when he had no representing gallery, he shipped it himself. The handling and packaging were far more careful than average galleries. His treatment, including the custom certificate of authenticity, was superb. I felt the education from Kyoto Zokei was significant. - Price
He’s a young artist with high growth potential. As an artist still building his career, prices remain accessible.
He also boldly takes on new work series, showing a research-oriented character.
His serious, passionate, and straightforward personality in painting makes him an artist collectors want to support.
First Solo Exhibition
Below is his first solo exhibition, held in Tokyo.
Including the two works submitted at “Art Award Tokyo 2019” mentioned earlier, more than 20 new works were on display in Shohei Yamamoto’s first-ever large-scale solo exhibition.
The exhibition ended with the impressive achievement of all works being sold during its run.
Overview
Shohei Yamamoto Solo Exhibition
What is the “entity”
Dates: July 15 (Mon/Hol) – July 21 (Sun), 2019
Location: MEDEL GALLERY SHU
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (until 17:00 on the final day)
Free admission
