Tadanori Yooko is a genius master of graphic art that seamlessly blends Japanese sensibilities with western pop art and design. His work is absolutely unique, visionary and an absolute inspiration for myself as a designer.

There is just so many ideas literally bursting out of every one of his images. You can read many articles about him and there are many images all over the internet readily available.

This post is about a particular body of work from 1968 called “XSex”. On a recent trip to Tokyo, I visited the famed Gallery 360 in Harajuku. While talking with the owner, I expressed my love for Tadanori Yooko’s work. As soon as we finished our conversation, he briefly disappeared into an adjoining room and emerged holding a large hardbound portfolio. He laid it out on the table and basically said – What I am about to show you is very rare and very few people have seen this full collection of prints in real life. As he slowly opened the case and started pulling out these bright, acid coloured silkscreens, I was literally washed over in waves of joy and excitement. I can sort of compare it to seeing that glowing suitcase from Pulp Fiction and actually being shown the contents. These prints are really something.

I managed to snap a few pictures with my phone. Barely.

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