And Tadanori Yokoo is probably the whole of the 1960s art movement rolled into one, his prolific work exploding out of Japan, traversing and magnifying the currents of revolution against oppression in all its forms. In a culture not known for its freedom of expression, Yokoo’s style was an unstoppable tidal wave, replete with untethered color, dynamic compositions and a barrage of intertwining imagery— yet assembled with such powerful instinct that his underlying structural strength is never remiss. Much of his incendiary work runs the gamut all the way between the high art history of the masters to the low art candy craving appeal of commercial packaging, often encapsulated in a sole piece. Of the 15 world-renowned artists commissioned to make the original famous poster series for Amnesty International, this one by Yokoo is one of the most memorable and sought-after, perhaps because, with his sophisticated tuning, it captures the impassioned urgency of the subject of human rights.
Over time it has become clear that the style created by the best poster designers of the 1960s has transcended even the important and monumental messages they convey, resulting in a blooming and vital wealth of material that is reflective of an inspiring generation of creators perhaps belonging to us all.
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