Born in 1966 in Hiroshima, Japan, artist and sculptor Motoi Yamamoto used salt to bring his artistic vision to life. His colossal works can take weeks to complete, and the intricacy and sheer scale requires incredible patience and a slow, steady hand. When asked why he uses salt, Yamamoto cites its importance to humans:
“Salt seems to possess a close relation with human life beyond time and space. Moreover, especially in Japan, it is indispensable in the death culture.” (Mourners in Japan are often sprinkled with salt after leaving a funeral in order to ward off evil) – Source: NPR
This sentiment personally resonated with Yamamoto after his sister’s passing from brain cancer in 1994. In thinking about her, he began to create art that reflected his grief. Yamamoto’s works are also temporary. Once a particular exhibition finishes, he requests the salt used for his installations be returned to the ocean.
To learn more about Yamamoto and his views on his art, check out the interview he did with Hi Fructose.
Below you will find a small sample of Yamamoto’s incredible salt sculptres. To see all of his work, be sure to visit his official site at: http://www.motoi.biz
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