Yukio Mishima, The Aesthetics of End 1966

Tadanori Yokoo's 1966 silkscreen print, "Yukio Mishima, The Aesthetics of End," is a striking example of Pop Art with Japanese influences. The central image of a steam locomotive, a symbol of progress, is rendered in a bold, graphic style against a backdrop of a stylized rising sun, evoking traditional Japanese imagery. The inclusion of a woman in a red bikini, a lotus flower, and a skull further adds to the complex visual tapestry. Yokoo's work often explored themes of contemporary culture and the clash between traditional and modern values in Japan. The artist uses a vibrant palette of colors to create a bold and dynamic composition. This poster was commissioned for the film adaptation of Yukio Mishima's novel, "The Aesthetics of End," reflecting the cultural and artistic currents of the time.