iimawashi: Contemporary Art from Japan

Merz Gallery

Edinburgh International Festival Fringe 2005

Artists Name: Yasuyoshi Botan Title: Para = Shanari (detail of   painting) Material: oil and pencil on canvas Size: 38cm x 91cm 2002

Yasuyoshi Botan also has an imaginary world, one which he explores and makes concrete through the use of painting. The works have clear references to traditional Japanese screen paintings. However in direct contrast to this tradition, each work has layered images and symbols of Asian and Occidental origin, combined to form a complete narrative that can never be fully deciphered by the viewer. The beauty of his work is masked by his refusal to reveal the narrative. The true narrative is something that he feels is unimportant for the audience to know, but it may equally be unacceptable to our sensibilities should we ever find out.