Oil on canvas

19.5 × 33 cm. 7 5/8 × 13 in.

Titled and signed in English, dated on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Improtant Private Collection, Asia

Genuine and Sincere Gathering
The Childhood Chatters of Mayuka Yamamoto

“Even though I outgrew my childhood a long time ago, when I ask myself why I drew these pictures, I still feel the nostalgia of my childhood lingering in me.”

――Mayuka Yamamoto

Mayuka Yamamoto is best known for her Animal Boy series, which features a boy who wears animal hoods or costumes such as deer, bears, and rabbits. Although the protagonist in the series has a height and body shape that matches his age, his innocent eyes portray a mysterious and indistinguishable expression of both sadness and joy, revealing a touch of sentimentality. His expression encourages a hazy and gentle atmosphere that encapsulates the viewer with a feeling of comfort. The Three Deer here is a portrayal of the artist's childhood memories. Yamamoto revealed that her family would only hold gatherings during Christmas time when she was young. The aroma of candles on Christmas cakes has since been etched into her heart, causing her to reminisce her childhood whenever such olfactory imagery is present.

Unlike Mayuka Yamamoto's other works, which only features a single protagonist, Three Deer depicts three boys who are similar in appearance. The boys are adorned with an angelic ethereal temperament. They lean against each other and prop their hands on the white and soft sheets, staring into the distance in unison while anticipating the arrival of a person or an event. Their heads are connected like conjoined triplets connected by a pair of antlers that is disproportionate to their sizes. The work implies a symbol of the Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit, echoing the theme of union, or family reunion – a theme that is dear to Mayuka Yamamoto. The similar appearances of the boys represent bloodline, metaphorically conveying the feeling of solidarity and hope.

Price estimate:
HKD: 15,000 - 25,000
USD: 1,900 - 3,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 62,400