Akari Yamashita
Human Being Human
On view August 17th - 31st
Thomas VanDyke Gallery is pleased to present Human Being Human, new work by Akari Yamashita, made during her residency at the gallery during July and August, 2024. Yamashita’s work pursues the essence of human beings through images of skinless people. Through a technique known as "wax dyeing," Yamashita uses molten wax, meticulously applying it onto fabric, rendering sections impermeable to dye. From the residual imprints left by the layers of wax, "figures" are crafted, representing what she believes to be the most genuine depiction of "humans." Fueled by the undeniable truth of individual existence and her unwavering fixation on the essence of humanity, Yamashita persists in portraying the human condition. Drawing inspiration from interactions with various individuals, she explores the intricacies of human nature through depictions of "words", "actions", and "emotions" that she has encountered. As she contemplates the gaze of the observer upon her work, Yamashita recognizes the pivotal role of the "eye" in conveying the essence of humanity. The human eye possesses a gaze unique to our species, bearing a profound sense of individuality. Its transparency sets it apart as the sole window between the inner and outer realms of the body. Numerous tubes extend throughout the entirety of the forms, vessels through which myriad substances traverse within the bloodstream. Each form consistently radiates heat, akin to molten wax flowing over pristine white fabric, gradually building layer upon layer. Its contours materialize within the mind's eye, akin to the emergence of a human entity out of nothing, akin to the development of a human being within the womb.
Statement from the artist
“I am very interested in things like the form and structure of the human body, as well as human psychology and behavior. I think it is probably something similar to the way someone paints a landscape, or someone paints other living things.
When I depict people, the individuality of their appearance becomes an unnecessary element, and the superficial parts that make up their appearance, such as skin and body hair, become a big hindrance. Recently, I often create works that have an image of a human being stripped of its outer surface. I don't want to make something scary.
I create my works using a technique called dyeing. As the name suggests, I create my works by dyeing fabric. I am often asked why I can't just use the act of drawing, but I use this technique because I think it is the most suitable for expressing people.
The reason for this lies in the unique production process of this technique, which uses thick melted wax to create the boring parts. By repeatedly dyeing the fabric with water channels, the shape gradually emerges, and finally, all the wax placed on the fabric is removed with a net.
I love watching the heat signatures gradually emerge to reveal a human body, and I think this has meaning.”
-Akari Yamashita
