| Japanese artist Yanobe Kenji's work isoften based on robots, and appears to be the product of the most modern industrial design: bright colors, polished metal, articulable joints, and shiny finish. Underlying these themes though is a concern for nuclear power, and its potential risks. |
His pieces, often based on robots, appear to be the products of the most modern industrial design: bright colors, polished metal, articulable joints, and shiny finish.
Beneath the shine and polish however, Yonobe's work reflects on his nation's concerns about nuclear safety. For a country dealing with the continuing aftermath of the Fukishima nuclear disaster, his work is especially relevant.
Yanobe’s artwork, which is featured in the book, Kenji Yanobe includes brightly-colored hazmat suits and tiny action figures with built-in geiger counters.He has also constructed a steel boat in the shape of a dragon called “Lucky Dragon” which breathes fire to protect itself.
When describing his works and his outlook on many subjects which translate into his art, Kenji often uses the word "cynical". But when confronted with the questions, "Why are you cynical?" he responds with, "What do you mean I am cynical? I worry about things. I'm constantly thinking about people's happiness."
Kenji's sculptures mostly relate his needs to prevent bodily damage from atomic fallout. Many pieces of Kenji's art are essentially shelters for his and his family's bodies. He worries about atomic and chemical technology, and this is strongly represented in his work. Many of the pieces involve survival for himself and his family. One of his works, is for Kenji and his dog, another is a living chamber in case of fire, one is a radiation suit, and they go on.
These massive sculptures pose the question: Would life after a nuclear war be possible, and if it were, would it be worth living?
SOURCE IO9
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