For many years, Yamamoto devoted himself primarily to self-portraiture. Following experiences such as his artist residency in Indonesia and his work illustrating a serialised newspaper novel, he has in recent years increasingly turned his attention to depicting the people, beyond his own family, and animals around him.

Among his new subjects are Shiba dogs, symbols of timidity and obedience, for whom the artist admits a certain emotional affinity. There are cats, majestic beings who, unlike the humans confined indoors during the pandemic, roamed freely across our man-made boundaries, curling up wherever they pleased. And there are the Angora rabbits, soft and fluffy, symbols of peace and happiness.

In contrast to our own small and uncertain selves, struggling each day under the flags of various kinds of egoism, drifting without knowing about what or with whom we are fighting, these creatures stand calm and unwavering, portrayed on a grand scale. The seemingly small and fragile diversity of life is embraced, at the genetic level, within a broad and generous stability, and the world continues on, governed by the laws of impermanence and change.

Through years of painting self-portraits, Yamamoto has arrived at a depiction of the world that might be called a humorous mandala. We warmly invite you to experience it in this latest exhibition.