Yokoi, Tomoe: 1943 (Japan)

The Artist:

Tomoe Yokoi was born in Nagoya Japan in 1943. She began art studies at Bunk Tokyo College of Art, were the curriculum was traditional techniques. Subject matter stressed was realistic everyday images such as fruits, musical instruments, and flowers. In 1964, following graduation, Yokoi moved to Paris, and studied intaglio printmaking with S. W. Hayter as this famous workshop, Atelier. In Paris Yokoi perfected her technique of mezzotint, expanding its parameters to include more complex images and subtle color nuances.

In 1971 Yokoi moved to New York City where she worked and introduced her art to New York audiences. She developed a unique style which combines and is a synthesis of her Japanese, Parisian, and New York experiences. Yoki's work is owned in prestigious permanent collections including: National Gallerie the Musee d' Art Moderne, Paris; the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris; Brooklyn Museum, New York; and the Free Library of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania. Yokoi has exhibited throughout Europe and the United States including: Norwegian International Print Biennial, Oslo; Paris International Print Biennial; SAGA National Print Exhibition, New York; IKI International Art Fair, Dusseldorf; British International Print Biennial, Bradford; and Ljubljana International Print Biennial, Yugoslavia.

The Art:

Mezzotint technique, the most difficult of all printmaking processes, begins with a form of cooper engraving dating from the 17th century. A painstaking etching medium, requiring physical strength for work directly on a metal plate, it is capable of producing original prints with rich subtle tones, in a myriad of variations. The technique, sometimes called reverse engraving, begins with a dark background from which an image is lightened.

Yokoi's art is literally a creation of light being brought out of darkness. Her still life works have a timeless quality; they combine the ancient mezzotint printmaking technique with European beau-art subjects, oriental asymmetry, and elegant design. Yoki's mezzotint technique is unusual. The art is soft visually and physically rich in texture. A master at her art, Yokoi's pictures have chiaroscuro without any trace of sharp lines, generally expected in etching techniques. The pieces below are classic examples of Yokoi's best work.

Yokoi231 Tomoe Yokoi. Broom . A/P The edition size is 100. Mezzotint and Aquatint Etching. The paper size is 26" x 20". This 1973 etching was acquired in 1985. The work is signed and numbered in pencil. For information about this work and the process please see the paragraphs above. This artwork, margins and surface, is in pristine condition. Close-Up | Closer $1,400.

Yokoi232 Tomoe Yokoi. Bugle. A/P The edition size is 100. Mezzotint and Aquatint Etching. The paper size is 20" x 26". This 1973 etching was acquired in 1985. The work is signed and numbered in pencil. For information about this work and the process please see the paragraphs above. This artwork, margins and surface, is in pristine condition. Close-Up | Closer $1,400.

Yokoi235 Tomoe Yokoi. Salad Bowl . A/P The edition size is 100. Mezzotint and Aquatint Etching. The paper size is 20" x 26". This 1973 etching was acquired in 1985. The work is signed and numbered in pencil. For information about this work and the process please see the paragraphs above. This artwork, margins and surface, is in pristine condition. Close-Up | Closer $1,400.