Hanai Yusuke
Friends
2023
giclée prints
32 × 25 cm
Ed. /75
Location: Clichy, France
Documents
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Invoice or proof of purchase
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About the artwork
This set of ten giclée prints features a collection of anthropomorphic animal characters, each presented individually against a light blue background with a subtle horizon line. The figures, rendered in a graphic, illustrative style, include a yeti-like creature with a crown, a polar bear, a panda, another yeti, an eagle with a crown, a tiger, a red panda, a bird with a soda can on its head, a seagull with a bottle, and a leopard. Each character occupies the central space of its respective composition, depicted in a standing posture. The individual prints are part of a complete set titled "Friends," which brings together these distinct pictorial moments to reflect on themes of connection and shared experience. The characters, while varied in species, are united by a consistent visual language. The artistic approach combines Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with elements of American retro illustration.
Expert opinion
Yusuke Hanai's position in the contemporary art market is characterized by a growing international collector base, particularly within the realm of Japanese contemporary figurative art. His works are frequently offered at auction, with a notable percentage selling above their low estimates, indicating a steady demand. The artist's blend of cultural influences, from 1960s counterculture to retro-Americana, resonates with collectors interested in graphic and illustrative styles. The consistent appearance of his works in gallery exhibitions and collaborations with various brands contributes to his visibility and market presence. Limited edition prints, such as this set, represent a segment of his output that is actively collected. The thematic exploration of human connection and resilience through his distinctive characters contributes to the appeal of his art.
About the artist
Yusuke Hanai, born in 1978 in Japan, is an illustrator and fine artist known for a distinctive graphic style that integrates 1960s countercultural aesthetics with retro-Americana surf culture. His early artistic inspiration stemmed from discovering the Grateful Dead album cover artwork by Rick Griffin. This led him to study illustration at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco in 2003, after which he returned to Japan to continue his artistic endeavors. Hanai's career has included exhibitions in various international cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. He has also engaged in collaborations with brands like Vans, Nixon, and Beams. His artistic practice often features anthropomorphic and human characters, which he uses to explore themes of perseverance and the human condition.
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