<b>ERUPTING MT. FUJI—SOUTH WIND, RAINBOW CLEAR SKY</b> / Ay-o (Iijima Takao) 1982<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

Dressed in the regalia of rainbows, Mt Fuji erupts—blowing its top in an eruption of rainbow ribbons. In this playful composition, Ay-o reminds us that Mt. Fuji is, in fact, a volcano, albeit dormant. The design is instantly familiar to fans of Ukiyo-e, as it is borrowed from Hokusai’s masterpiece, Red Fuji. Though the design is familiar, Ay-o makes the work his own by celebrating the familiar design and reworking it in his distinctive rainbow-striped motif. Though appropriated from a work originally done nearly one hundred years ago, in Ay-o’s hand, the composition is markedly fresh and contemporary.

Connoisseur's Note

Ay-o achieved worldwide recognition for his distinctive designs featuring an array of rainbow-striped motifs in his artwork. Both a painter and print artist, Ay-o’s compositions have pushed the boundaries of the interracially minded and diverse avant-garde circles. His work is collected and represented by prestigious private and public collections throughout the world.

Beyond its playful stance, this work anticipates much of the contemporary art world’s interest in Ukiyo-e and Hokusai. In fact, it may have been this work that inspired contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara to reconsider past work by Edo period print masters and reformulate it for his contemporary fanbase. Please see the image below of Nara’s White Fujiyama Ski Gelände, 1999.

Due to its strong coloration, Ay-o’s work is quite suspectable to fading if not properly displayed or stored. This work is in pristine condition, showcasing fresh and vibrant colors in their original state.