Japanese photographer Yamamoto Masao creates small and intimate photographs focused on the relationship of humanity to the natural world, and to broader metaphysical states. His works have been described as “visual haiku” for their ability to evoke a sense of harmony between various elements. Benrido Atelier's portfolio presents a selection of well-known works focusing on his imagery of birds.
The collotype, invented in France approximately 150 years ago, stands as a pillar of quality and versatility in the history of photographic prints. Artists can achieve an enormous range of aesthetic possibilities with the help of highly-skilled master printers. This mini-portfolio was carefully hand-printed by the craftsmen of Benrido Atelier in Kyoto Japan.
Biography
Yamamoto Masao (Gamagōri, Japon, 1957–) studied painting, choosing photography as his primary media around 1980. His work has been exhibited in numerous international institutions including High Museum of Art, Atlanta; George Eastman House, Rochester; Carrousel du Louvre, Paris; Galerie de Moderne, Munich; and Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego. Yamamoto’s photographs are included in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the International Center of Photography, New York; and the Sir Elton John Collection, among others. His monographs include Tori, Radius Books, 2016; Fujsan, Nazraeli Press, 2008; Nazraeli Press, 2005; Omizuao, Nazraeil Press, 2003; Nakazora, Nazraeli Press, 2001; and A Box of Ku, Nazraeli Press, 1998.
Edition: Open Edition
Design: Benrido, Inc.
Number of works: 6 colour collotype prints
Medium: Colour collotype prints
Published: 2020
Print Size: 25.4 x 20.3cm
Case Size: 20.6 x 25.8 x 0.8cm
Copyright:
Collotype Portfolio Printed & Published by Benrido, Inc.
© 2021 Yamamoto Masao
About Benrido Collotype Atelier
In the 1880s, the collotype printing process was introduced to Kyoto and in 1905 Benrido began producing collotypes. Collotype is one of the earliest forms of printing techniques and was invented in France in 1855 by Alphonse Poitevin as a method for photographic fine art printing. Due to the high level of print and archival quality, it has since been used primarily as a way to reproduce and preserve Japan’s National Treasures and cultural properties. Today Benrido Collotype Atelier remains as one of only a few studios left in the world capable of producing fine colour collotype prints.