Toshio Saeki — À propos — Slash Paris

A Japanese Master of Eroticism, began his career in advertising before deciding in 1970 to concentrate on his artwork. The result was images which mix surrealism, violence and desire, first appearing in the magazine Heibon Punch.

Toshio Saeki’s inks and prints present scenes which blur the boundaries between eroticism, humour and horror. His dedication to clean, pure lines and simplicity of form and shape form a stark contrast to the divisive social and cultural taboos addressed through his images. His works serve as modern interpretations of the Japanese genre Shunga — an expression of sex and pleasure — which was popular from 1600 to 1900 and which includes works by masters such as Hokusai and Kunisada. The works varied hugely in subject, often featuring courtesans, geishas, Yokaigas and images of Japanese folklore, such as monsters and spirits.

Toshio Saeki was born in 1945 in Miyazaki, he currently lives and works on Chiba (JP).