Yoko Yamamoto, one of Japan’s leading copperplate printmakers, has established a distinctive artistic world characterized by narrative themes inspired by literature, philosophy, and art history, masterful compositions, and vibrant, sophisticated use of color. Throughout her career, she has continuously expanded the possibilities of printmaking, freely crossing disciplinary boundaries by incorporating elements of music and poetry into her artistic practice. She has also produced illustrations and book designs for numerous publications. Over several decades, Yamamoto has presented solo exhibitions throughout Japan and abroad, receiving many prestigious honors, including the Kyoto Art and Culture Award in 2011 and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit by the City of Kyoto in 2013.

Since 2010, KAIGADO Gallery has hosted an annual exhibition of Yamamoto’s work. This fourteenth exhibition, titled Animals Through the Looking-Glass, focuses on works depicting animals, including selections from her newest series, Alice Through the Looking-Glass, created in 2023. Among the featured works are images of horses inspired by the Chess Knight character from Lewis Carroll’s celebrated sequel.

Since illustrating the picture book Alice in Wonderland in 1994, Yamamoto has continued to explore the imaginative universe of Lewis Carroll through numerous works inspired by the Alice stories. In 2023, she began a new series based on Through the Looking-Glass, the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Often described as a story that reveals deeper layers of meaning to those familiar with the game of chess, the book presents a complex and enigmatic world. Immersing herself in both the text and the logic of chess, Yamamoto interpreted and translated many of its hidden mysteries into visual form. Through her unique perspective, the fantastical world of Alice is reimagined, drawing viewers into a richly layered realm of imagination and discovery.

The exhibition also includes works depicting animals that were originally created as illustrations for the Tashinami column in the evening edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

Carefully selected by the artist for this exhibition, these bright and elegant works harmonize beautifully with the classic atmosphere of the Imperial Hotel. We invite you to enjoy this special presentation and experience the charm, wit, and imagination of Yoko Yamamoto’s artistic world.

Biography

Yoko Yamamoto is a copperplate printmaker born in Saitama Prefecture in 1952 and raised in Osaka. She completed her studies in Western painting at Kyoto City University of Arts.

Her major awards include:

• Seibu Prize, Japan Contemporary Print Grand Prize Exhibition (1978)
• Kyoto City New Artist Award (1980)
• Excellence Award, Korean International Print Biennale (1983)
• Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Book Design for L no Okurimono (Gift of L) (1992)
• Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Award for Distinguished Achievement (2007)
• Kyoto Art and Culture Award (2011)
• Person of Cultural Merit, City of Kyoto (2013)

Since 2005, Yamamoto has devoted significant energy to “Hospital Art,” one of her major ongoing projects. Believing in the healing power of art, she creates murals and site-specific works for hospitals and healthcare facilities, helping to create environments in which patients, doctors, nurses, and visitors can find comfort and peace of mind.