Friday, Sep 11, 2026 – Saturday, Oct 10, 2026

Gallery Yamaki Fine Art is pleased to announce a solo exhibition by Kozo Shibataka, a contemporary artist and printmaker who has long pursued a singular visual language through intaglio printing. Marking his fourth solo exhibition at our gallery, this presentation features works centered on monotypes, showcasing the allure and dynamic versatility of his line work.

Born in Osaka in 1948 and a graduate of Musashino Art University Junior College, Shibataka has devoted his practice primarily to copperplate printmaking. Highly regarded at print biennials both domestically and internationally, the core of his art lies in direct engraving. Instead of etching with chemical acids, he uses a burin* to manually carve directly into the copperplate with raw physical power.

At first glance, the works present a quiet, contemplative surface. Upon closer inspection, however, the viewer encounters a dense, taut network of individual lines. Created as the artist leans in, applying his full body weight to carve directly into the hard metal by hand, these overlapping strokes generate a distinct rhythm and a profound sense of depth, evoking a powerful vitality in the audience.

Observing the countless incised marks reveals the physical traces of human craftsmanship and the artist’s unyielding intent. In an era dominated by digital imagery, this process, channeling full physical commitment against the rigid resistance of metal, embodies a true dialogue between body and material.

The tactile intensity embedded in every line emits a presence that cannot be fully conveyed through photography or digital screens. Imbued with a striking reality that pierces to the viewer’s very core, embedding human hand and will directly into matter, these works are best experienced in person. We warmly invite you to our gallery to feel their powerful presence for yourself.

*A burin is a sharp engraving tool with a beveled tip; the term is also used to refer to an etching technique. This method requires a high level of skill and considerable effort, and refers to the engraving technique in which the plate is carved directly using a burin.

シテール島へⅦ, 2014, Béran Arsh250G, Monotype print, Burin, 36×36 cm, ©Kozo Shibataka

ナギサ７B, 2014, Béran Arsh 250G, Beran Alsi 250G, Monotype Print, Burin, 56.5×76 cm, ©Kozo Shibataka

draw2, 1979, Pencil, paper, 47.0×63.9 cm, ©Kozo Shibataka