Sculptor Yoshitoshi Kanemaki is sort of like Geppetto. He has the ability to make static wood statues come to life. But he employs a different wood-carving technique than that of the old Disney character. Kanemaki’s figures sport multiple expressions, captured like video frames in succession, depicting the passage of a moment in time.
Pop-Surrealist Sculptures by Yoshitoshi Kanemaki
Pop-surrealist in style, the wood sculptures by Yoshitoshi Kanemaki have an anime-like quality with their large eyes and perfect pouts. But there’s an obvious difference between this craftsman’s compelling woodwork and your typical Anime maquette.
Yoshitoshi Kanemaki, who was born in Chiba prefecture and possesses a Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Tama Art University, calls each of his figures a “Caprice” – a noun that means a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.
The artist’s technique enables us to see more facets of the subject, both literally and figuratively. This imbues them with emotions conveyed through their expressions.
And with each angle, you glean more of the story.
Yoshitoshi Kanemaki carves his captivating Caprice figures from various woods such as Japanese Cypress, Camphor and Nutmeg.
Then he hand paints them, impeccably.
The artist recently created this Caprice for Adidas which is displayed in the Adidas Tokyo Store.
These are not small desktop sculptures, these are substantial pieces, ranging in size from approximately 24″ tall to upwards of 110″ tall.
images courtesy of the artist and Bunkyo Art
Follow him on Instagram @kanemaki_yoshitoshi/
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanemaki.yoshitoshi/