Hideshi Yoshida - かわいさによる全宇宙征服計画 (A plan to conquer the universe with cuteness)

Contemporary Wood-Engraving

A fine engraving of incredible precision and design, this piece depicts a charming panda calmly seated as it quietly plans its cosmic conquest. Printed from hand-carved box and lemonwood blocks (~6 cm × 6 cm) on a luxurious blend of gampi & kōzo papers, the astonishingly intricate detail can only be fully appreciated up close. Exhibited at the 65th CWAJ Modern Print Exhibition, 2022. 🐼🎨🌌 Hideshi Yoshida notes:

パンダってかわいいですよね？ このパンダもそう自負しているらしく、そのかわいさで宇宙を征服するという壮大な計画を立てているようです。でも、その『かわいさ』に普遍的価値はあるのでしょうか？ そんな思いを作品にしました。」“Pandas are cute, aren’t they? This panda seems confident in its cuteness and is plotting a grand scheme to conquer the universe with it. But does that ‘cuteness’ hold universal value? I created this work to explore that question.”

• Year & Edition: 2022 · Ed. of 50 (signed, editioned & dated in pencil to plate).
• Medium: Wood-engraving on box & lemonwood blocks; printed on gampi & kōzo papers.
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 15.00 cm × W: 15.00 cm (Image H: 6.30 cm × W: 6.30 cm).
• Condition: Mint, direct from the artist’s studio.

About the Artist

Hideshi Yoshida (b. Hokkaido) is a Tokyo-based contemporary printmaker celebrated for his meticulous wood-engravings (木口木版) and vibrant woodblock prints. He transports viewers into surreal realms - ranging from charming animal scenes to visionary landscapes inspired by Lovecraft, Carroll and Stevenson - while centering his own Sci-Fi universe, Agnahuecom-Land, and the tech-driven mega-corporation FROSKEY Inc., powered by the mythical element Rabbitanium. Yoshida’s richly detailed narratives and fantastical precision have earned him international acclaim, with works held at the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (Poland) and the St. Nikolai Municipal Museum (Belgium). Kumo Arts is proud to showcase his enchanting worlds. [ ← View All Works by Hideshi Yoshida]