4-71-97
A pine tree is a commanding presence in the center of the picture, set against a repeating backdrop of auspicious motifs printed in red, gold, and black. These patterns, considered emblematic of good fortune, became a signature element of Tanaami’s work after a 1980 trip to China. However, he has said that his connection to them dates back much further to childhood memories of exotic and fantastically patterned trademark labels in the wholesale textile warehouse run by his grandfather. In these series, the use of the same printing plate to produce numerous works gives the imagery a sense of continuity, like a forest of ever-proliferating trees. On close examination of the works in person, one can discern multiple printings of other plates layered beneath the opaque ink, fully utilizing the distinctive depth and richness of the silkscreen medium.