Yoshitoshi Kanemaki (yo-shee-toh-shee kahn-eh-mah-kee) makes sculptures that explore both motion and emotion. To create Crochet Tone, above, he renders his subject with multiple facial expressions, movements, and moods. The Japanese sculptor depicts a wide range of expressions—even candid faces in between clear expressions. The repeating effect might remind you of a digital glitch in a photo or video.
Kanemaki sketches his design onto a wooden block. He carefully chisels out the forms. Then he paints a facial expression onto each of the conjoined heads. He includes a toothy grin, puckered lips, and a wink. The artist depicts moods ranging from serene to perplexed.
Kanemaki believes that artists can convey most human feelings. He says, “Emotions can be embodied [in art] regardless of whether they are [on the] surface or deep.”