Garuda 1990

Editor: Tadanori Yokoo's "Garuda," a 1990 acrylic and print, strikes me as both intensely spiritual and strangely unsettling. The figure's blindfold and pierced heart are such strong symbols. What do you see in this piece, especially in terms of its symbolic language? Curator: The power of "Garuda" resides precisely in its layered symbolism, drawn from diverse cultural wells. Notice how Yokoo synthesizes elements of Eastern spirituality with Western iconography like the Sacred Heart. What do you make of the Garuda figure itself in this context? Editor: Well, Garuda is typically a Hindu demi-god, a powerful eagle-like figure. Here, though, the figure appears human, almost like a priestess or a figure in disguise, in a temple or sacred space, or in front of a painted backdrop. It complicates the image, adding to that unsettling feeling I mentioned earlier. Curator: Exactly! It is through this ambiguity, this deliberate clash of cultural codes, that Yokoo generates meaning. The artist encourages us to reflect on how symbols migrate and transform, carrying echoes of their origins while adapting to new contexts. How does the pop art style amplify or challenge these symbolic layers? Editor: I think the flatness and bold colours, combined with the almost poster-like quality, bring a contemporary feel which prevents it from feeling like a purely historical or religious artwork. This, for me, really throws into contrast those really strong spiritual symbols that would normally sit within traditional artwork, creating more questions than answers. Curator: Precisely. By placing these ancient symbols in a Pop Art framework, Yokoo is asking us to consider their enduring power in a rapidly changing, media-saturated world. It’s a potent reminder that cultural memory is not static but a constantly evolving dialogue between past and present. Editor: It’s fascinating to see how Yokoo uses familiar images to create a new symbolic narrative; one that makes us think about the connections between different cultures and belief systems and their evolution. Curator: Agreed. The image certainly holds many meanings and reminds us to consider the persistence and adaptation of symbols across time and cultures.