<b>MASKS</b>Yukio Hideshimac. 1980$1,500</em>
ARTIST: Yukio Hideshima (1934-2018)
TITLE: Masks
EDITION: 16/65
MEDIUM: Mezzotint
DATE: c. 1980
DIMENSIONS: 24 x 21 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, no problems to note
$1,500.00
ARTIST: Yukio Hideshima (1934-2018)
TITLE: Masks
EDITION: 16/65
MEDIUM: Mezzotint
DATE: c. 1980
DIMENSIONS: 24 x 21 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, no problems to note
$1,500.00
ARTIST: Yukio Hideshima (1934-2018)
TITLE: Masks
EDITION: 16/65
MEDIUM: Mezzotint
DATE: c. 1980
DIMENSIONS: 24 x 21 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, no problems to note
$1,500.00
Details
In this impressive design, the mezzotint artist Hideshima presents a view of masks that are haphazardly piled up at several layers’ depth in an unarticulated dark space. The design is striking and somewhat unsettling, as the masks appear with their mouths agape in pain or discomfort. As the viewer considers the scene further, the masks seem to transform into discarded plastic containers. The design’s masterful use of light and shadow greatly enables this transformation to take place and anchors the composition in a feeling of concern or even dread.
It may prove useful to consider Hideshima’s design as a social commentary on the disposable nature of consumer culture, particularly in Japan. The image melds “disposable” plastic containers with human masks whose regretful expressions urge the viewer to action.
Connoisseur's Note
This powerful design belongs to the artist’s celebrated “Mask” series. This body of work was produced in the 1980s. The print is numbered 16/65 and is signed in pencil by the artist at the lower right margin.
