Whitestone Gallery Taipei is delighted to present "Now and Beyond," a solo exhibition by renowned Japanese artist Go YAYANAGI. This showcase offers a glimpse into YAYANAGI’s distinctive artistic vision, where the joy of global ecology meets a whimsical, creative world. His works are characterized by vibrant colors, bold lines, and intricate compositions, skillfully merging the contrasts of nature and culture, as well as the primitive and the contemporary, into a unique artistic expression. This exhibition collaborates with the high-end Japanese outdoor brand “Snow Peak” to create a thoughtfully curated space incorporating brand elements through selected outdoor gear such as camping chairs and fire pits. Showcasing the works of artist Go YAYANAGI, which are infused with the vitality of nature and an exotic aesthetic, the exhibition blends Snow Peak's distinctive brand philosophy to craft an immersive experience rich in outdoor ambiance, exploring the ultimate fusion of art and outdoor aesthetics.

Born in 1933 into a ranching family in Hokkaido, Go YAYANAGI was deeply influenced by the expansive natural landscapes and his close interactions with animals during his upbringing. These formative experiences instilled in him a profound sensitivity to nature and the essence of life. In the 1950s, YAYANAGI relocated to São Paulo, Brazil, where he was introduced to a dynamic new culture and the lush tropical rainforest. This transformative period inspired him to embrace vivid colors as the primary language of his artistic expression. From 1965 to 1968, YAYANAGI honed his skills at the legendary Atelier 17 in Paris under the mentorship of printmaking master S.W. Hayter. Hayter's viscosity printing technique revolutionized the traditional European approach to printmaking, replacing the need for multiple plates to achieve multi-color designs. This groundbreaking advance opened YAYANAGI’s mind to new realms of innovation and diversity, leaving a lasting impact on his subsequent works. Since the 1950s, YAYANAGI’s art has been showcased worldwide at numerous prestigious exhibitions, including the 11th São Paulo Biennial (1957), the 2nd Frenchen International Print Biennial (1972), the 5th British International Print Biennial (1976), and several editions of the Taiwan International Print Biennial (1983, 1989, 1991). His works are held in esteemed public and private collections, such as the National Museum of Modern Art (Tokyo), Hara Museum ARC (Gunma Pref., Japan), National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian (Washington, D.C.), the Rockefeller Foundation (New York), Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, and the São Paulo Museum of Art.

YAYANAGI believes that art should naturally integrate into living spaces, rather than being displayed in an overly formal or ostentatious manner. He advocates for art that transcends national and cultural boundaries, allowing creators to express their inner thoughts and emotions freely. YAYANAGI’s artistic practice spans a variety of mediums, including painting, printmaking, mosaic murals, stained glass, textiles, and fashion design, reflecting his deep passion for diversity and innovation. His works are known for their fragmented compositions, playful atmospheres, and kaleidoscopic patterns. Often featuring bold, zebra-like black lines flowing in circular or irregular forms, YAYANAGI draws inspiration from the dynamic visual illusions of 1960s Op Art. His compositions also frequently reference comic strip paneling, juxtaposing elements of nature, animals, and humanity to create a cinematic sense of narrative tension. In pursuit of visual purity, he intentionally avoids the use of shadows, resulting in a direct and striking aesthetic. Laced with a humorous critique of social phenomena, YAYANAGI’s works maintain a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere. His creative style is deeply influenced by his diverse experiences living in Japan, Brazil, Africa, and France.

YAYANAGI coined the term “Pop-Uki” to describe his artistic approach, combining black-and-white lines with vivid colors to evoke the essence of 20th-century Pop Art. By integrating modern techniques and materials, he reinterprets the visual language of Japanese traditional woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e, continuing its traditions of multi-layered perspectives, asymmetrical compositions, and ink lines that delineate the object. His work transforms traditional colors and lines into a contemporary artistic expression, imbued with cultural imagination and a sense of exoticism, ultimately showcasing his distinct and modern aesthetic.