Lives and works in Sydney
Goraku no jikan
(Time to free the human mind from work and engage in pleasure and entertainment)
In the series of paintings, Goraku no jikan, Japanese artist Yoshio Honjo explores a day in the lives of geisha in the contemporary world, as they free themselves from work with frivolous activities. Although geisha are known for their occupations as entertainers within the pleasure quarters of the Edo period, Yoshio explores the highly decorated geisha as women who have their own lives, tastes and hobbies away from the ochaya (teahouses). In the paintings, the women are seen utilising contemporary every-day objects or clutching luxury bags, suggesting independence and self-reliance. Here the geisha are attending festivals, eating pizza, drinking wine, taking photos and generally undertaking pleasurable activities of their own agency.
Yoshio has intricately painted the kimono of the geisha with eto, Chinese zodiac animals. Each geisha is adorned with patterns that include one of the twelve zodiac animals including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The zodiacs symbolise individual attributes and emphasize a sense of uniqueness between each representation of the geisha, reclaiming them as individual women. The remaining three geisha wear coats from seasonal collections by the likes of Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa, Chanel and Prada. They appear to march stealthily through the snow and emit resilience and power, as independent women of Japan.
Carine Thévenau
March, 2023
\ Exhibition featured works
Yoshio Honjo
Ryokō-Biyori (Rabbit)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49 x 33.5cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Akira Isogawa 2017
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 67 x 48.5cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Chanel 2015
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 66 x 49cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Hanami-Biyori (Boar)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 48 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Hanami-Biyori (Mouse)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 48 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Kōyō-Biyori (Horse)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 48 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Kōyō-Biyori (Tiger)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49.5 x 33.5cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Prada 2013
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 66.5 x 48cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Ryokō-BIyori (Dragon)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49x33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Ryokō-Biyori (Sheep)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49 x 33.5cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Ryokō-Biyori (rooster)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 48 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Ryu to onna musha
2023 \ Handmade Komohadamashi paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 188 x 97cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Syokuji-Biyori (Dog)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 48.5 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Syokuji-Biyori (Ox)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Syokuji-Biyori (Snake)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49 x 33.5cm paper size
SOLD
Yoshio Honjo
Syokuji_Biyori (Monkey)
2023 \ Handmade Kozo paper, Sumi ink, Suihi-enogu (water dried pigment) \ 49 x 33cm paper size
SOLD
\ News
NH EventPresenting Yoshio Honjo "Goraku no jikan" Nanda\Hobbs Project Space, 13-29 April
3 April 2023
We are pleased to present Goraku no jikan (Time to free the human mind from work and engage in pleasure and entertainment) by Yoshio Honjo.
\ Other exhibitions
Tender Memories
Stephanie Eather, Nicola Higgins, Kirsty Neilson & Kate Nielsen
16 January — 30 January 2025
12 - 14 Meagher Street
Chippendale, NSW 2008
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday, 11am - 4pm Summer Dates: The gallery will close on Friday 20 December and reopen on Monday 13 January, 2025 Closed Public Holidays (and Easter Saturday)
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday, 11am - 4pm Summer Dates: The gallery will close on Friday 20 December and reopen on Monday 13 January, 2025 Closed Public Holidays (and Easter Saturday)