Tomoe, Yokoi (1943- )
Japanese
Mezzotint, 7.25 x 8.5 inches
“Tomoe Yokoi was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1943. She began art studies at Tokyo’s Bunka-Gakuen University, where the curriculum was traditional techniques and the subject matter stressed realistic, everyday images such as fruits, musical instruments and flowers. Following her graduation in 1964, Yokoi moved to Paris and studied intaglio printmaking with Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17. In Paris, Yokoi perfected her technique of mezzotint, expanding its parameters to include more complex images and subtle color nuances.
In 1971, Yokoi moved to New York City where she worked and introduced her art to new audiences. She developed a unique style that combines and is a synthesis of her Japanese, Parisian and New York experiences.
Yokoi has exhibited internationally in numerous air fairs and biennials. Her work is represented in the collections of the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Brooklyn Museum and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Yokoi has exhibited throughout Europe and the United States including: Norwegian International Print Biennial, Oslo; Paris International Print Biennial; SAGA National Print Exhibition, New York; IKI International Art Fair, Dusseldorf; British International Print Biennial, Bradford; and Ljubljana International Print Biennial, Yugoslavia.
The Art:
Mezzotint technique, the most difficult of all printmaking processes, begins with a form of copper engraving dating from the 17th century. A painstaking etching medium, requiring physical strength for work directly on a metal plate, it is capable of producing original prints with rich subtle tones, in a myriad of variations. The technique, sometimes called reverse engraving, begins with a dark background from which an image is lightened.
Yokoi’s art is literally a creation of light being brought out of darkness. Her still life works have a timeless quality; they combine the ancient mezzotint printmaking technique with European beau-art subjects, oriental asymmetry, and elegant design. Yoki’s mezzotint technique is unusual. The art is soft visually and physically rich in texture. A master at her art, Yokoi’s pictures have chiaroscuro without any trace of sharp lines, generally expected in etching techniques. The pieces below are classic examples of Yokoi’s best work.” from https://www.annexgalleries.com/artists/biography/2591/Yokoi/Tomoe
http://www.psfineart.com/artist/yokoi.html
http://rogallery.com/yokoi_tomoe/yokoihm.htm
Please leave a comment, especially if you have additional information about this piece of art or the artist.
GW20171200
Art Discarded 2 