◇　Artist Statement　　　

I make symbolic works whose theme is contemporary society. I am going to explain my theme, then symbolism, in this artist’s statement. I am sure people living in contemporary society have two new senses. One of them is Disjointing of human body and mind. Contemporary technology can replace human organs if it is necessary. It is possible to transplant organs, even hearts. Additionally, some artificial organs have been developed. There is also cosmetic surgery. We can change our appearances. Furthermore, neuroscience has tried to make clear how the brain works, and define the mind. We often think humans are comprised of parts like robots. We are disjointed.

   The other sense is connection for Internet. Most people have cell phones today. Many models, which were released after 2009, can access the Internet. We do not use cell phones just for calling but also we use e-mail and access the web. We also can do it whenever, wherever and personally. If you do not use a cell phone or the Internet, you find it difficult to live in contemporary society. Cell phones have become to look like sixth sense for people.

   However people do not become aware of these things. I believe I would like to express this phenomenon.

   I express these themes in symbolic ways. I am sure that symbolism has useful effects to express such a theme. The effects make works clear, acceptable and humorous. The theme is sometimes very serious for us to be concerned about. However, if the theme is symbolized it can be accepted more easily, and it is clearer. We can realize what the features of contemporary society are from symbolic works.

   I would like to make something that concerns people in contemporary society, and accept it lustily. I am sure we need to apply many new technologies with deliberation. I am happy if my works make people do so.

◇ Education

2008.4-2012.3 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Department Oil Painting, Major Oil Painting [Ph.D Program]

2009.4-2010.3 PhD Fine Arts (exchange program) Queensland College of Art Griffith University

2006.4-2008.3 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Department Oil Painting, Major Oil Painting [Muster Program]

2002.4-2006.3 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Department Oil Painting, Major Oil Painting

◇ Solo Exhibition

2016.12  [The Spiral Speaking Tube – Yamaguchi Isao solo exhibition] YAMAGUCHI IZUTSUYA ART Gallery / Yamaguchi-ken Japan

2015.8  [An Era of Boxes and Shells - Yamaguchi Isao solo exhibition] Gallery Nakano / Yamaguchi-ken Japan

2013.4  [Speaking Tubes Growing from Shells] Art Imagine Gallery / Tokyo Japan

2012.4  [Daily Life in a Fortress] MUSEE F / Tokyo Japan

2011.10  [Imaginary Organs and Mechanical Cocoons - Yamaguchi Isao solo exhibition] Variete Honroku / Tokyo Japan

2011.1  [Sense of Reality like Dream - Yamaguchi Isao solo exhibition] Art Imagine Gallery / Tokyo Japan

2009.9  [INFORMATION ANGEL] The College Gallery - QLD / Australia

2009.3-4  [INFORMATION ANGEL’S MAP] (Zengo series) café NORAYA / Tokyo Japan

2008.9-10  [The Ark and the Dock] Art Imagine Gallery / Tokyo Japan

◇ Award

2016.1-2  [8th Yamaguchi Art Award for Rising Artist] Creative Space AKARENGA / Yamaguchi-ken Japan (Grand Prize)

2015.9-10  [69th Yamaguchi Art Award Exhibition] Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum / Yamaguchi-ken Japan (Fine Work)

2014-10  [68th Yamaguchi Art Award Exhibition] Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum / Yamaguchi-ken Japan (Fine Work)