Young Woman

A young girl holds her arms behind her back and thrusts her chest forward. Her expression is poised and confident, blending youthful vitality with a serene, almost Buddha-like tranquility and dignity. Using elegantly simple forms, Yoshino consistently portrays women in a graceful and dignified manner. Yoshino Takeshi was born in Mutsuzawa Town, Chosei County, Chiba, and studied at Tokyo University of the Arts. His travels in Europe, where he encountered classical Egyptian and Greek sculpture, inspired him to pursue an aesthetic deeply rooted in the nature and culture of his own homeland. In the artist’s view, regional environments cultivate human sensibilities and give rise to artistic styles. Based in Chiba, he primarily shows his work at the Nika Exhibition, and has been honored with the Japan Art Academy Prize. (A.J.)