FUMIO YAMAZAKI (Japanese, B. 1974)

Unexpectedly lovable yet not disturbing, the juxtaposition of human and animal in Fumio Yamazaki's sculptures are peculiarly whimsical. Owing to the mass production of imaginative children's book illustrations and anime productions, the anthropomorphised animal is affable and light-hearted. The sculptures are not plainly as anthropomorphic figures were frequently represented in mythology. Despite the informality of the statue, Fumio Yamazaki's Silent Neighbours (Lot 195 & 196) is thought provoking and effectively stimulates a commentary on spiritual and societal issues. The combination of boar head and human child body suggests that the statue is the infantile version of Varaha- the avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. While ram head and human body can adhere to Khnuman ancient Egyptian deity of fertility, water and the great potter who created children and their ka at their conception.
Conceptually nuanced yet physically captivating, the works are made of one piece of camphor tree's wood with Ichiboku-zukuri (single-woodblock construction) techniques dated back from Heian Period in Japan. Fumio Yamazaki's incredible craftsmanship enhances the realistic skin texture and tone of the body. By utilising the demon metaphorically, the artist communicates strings of themes including history, mythology, complex social system and unconscious desires.