The Moving Tree: Naoyuki Yamamoto, Works 2016-2023

Moving Tree: Naoshi Yamamoto 2016-2023 Collection

The art world, both in Japan and abroad, is seeing a renewed appreciation for "Shodo" (calligraphy). Among the many contemporary calligraphers, Naoshi Yamamoto stands out, advocating for "ART SHODO" and employing a conceptual style of "writing the name of a thing on the thing itself." This collection showcases Yamamoto's exceptional works, bridging the gap between contemporary calligraphy and contemporary art, and making a powerful impact.

Following in the footsteps of Yuichi Inoue, the 21st century has witnessed a rapid re-evaluation of calligraphy in the art world, both in Japan and internationally. This trend extends beyond Showa-era calligraphers, with keen interest now focused on the diverse activities of contemporary calligraphers.

Among them, Naoshi Yamamoto, who advocates for "ART SHODO" and holds exhibitions in contemporary art galleries both in Japan and abroad, is a calligrapher who powerfully transcends the boundaries between contemporary calligraphy and contemporary art. Yamamoto's calligraphy is characterized by an archaic line drawing that outlines the subject, with the name of the subject written within. Viewers are suddenly thrown into an infinite loop of questions, wondering whether what is written (drawn) here is a painting or calligraphy.

It is noteworthy that Yamamoto's roots lie in the work of Yuichi Inoue. At the age of 19, Yamamoto encountered Inoue's work at a major retrospective exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, and later participated in the production of Inoue's catalogue raisonné. In this sense, Yamamoto's calligraphy, which challenges contemporary calligraphy while deeply understanding the history of calligraphy, has a persuasive power.

This book introduces a collection of Yamamoto's works from 2016 to 2023, including his representative works such as "Moving Tree," "Machine," and "Flute," and also includes an essay by Minoru Shimizu, "Giving a Name: The Calligraphy of Naoshi Yamamoto."

The book's design by the talented designer Toshiki Koike, with its German binding and A4 horizontal format, is also a highlight, making it a beautiful art book.

Title: Moving Tree: Naoshi Yamamoto 2016-2023 Collection
Author: Naoshi Yamamoto
Contribution: Minoru Shimizu
Pages: 104 pages, Japanese and English bilingual
Binding: German binding
Size: A4 horizontal
Design: Toshiki Koike
Photography: Dai Yanagiba
Translation: Pamela Mikih Associates
Proofreading: Ayaka Yamamoto
Cooperation: Yumiko Chiba Associates
Printing: Sun M Color Co., Ltd.

ISBN: 978-4-908122-26-2