Hideshi Yoshida - 知恵と勇気があれば良い (All it takes is wisdom and courage)

Contemporary Woodblock Print

A fabulous print by Hideshi Yoshida (吉田秀司) titled 知恵と勇気があれば良い (“All it takes is wisdom and courage”), published in 2006. This monumental composition (H: 111.00 cm × W: 86.00 cm) is part of Yoshida’s celebrated Agnahuecom-Land universe - a parallel world where advanced technology and fragile power collide. It presents a colossal armoured robot ⚙️🤖, a symbol of domination and misplaced strength. Though imposing at first glance, Yoshida reveals its vulnerability: an exposed skeletal back, an outdated engine, and a body unable to move or defend from behind. A masterwork of contemporary printmaking, this large hand-carved woodblock is executed with extraordinary detail. 

• Year & Edition: 2006 · Edition x/20 (signed, editioned & dated in pencil).
  
• Medium: Woodblock. Carved on Shina Japanese plywood. Printed on gampi & kozo.
  
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 111.00 cm × W: 86.00 cm; Image H: 95.00 cm × W: 70.00 cm.
  
• Condition: Mint. Direct from artist studio.
  
• Notes: A magnificent masterpiece - a large-scale fantasy composition, ideal as a statement interior design artwork. Hideshi Yoshida comments:

「ここに強固な鎧と大型の武装をしたロボットが立っている。それは長年にわたってその強大な力を使ってこの地域を我が物顔で支配してきた。しかし一見強固に見えるその体の後側は、鎧さえなく骨組みは剥き出し、動力源は旧式の小さなエンジンから細いケーブルがボディにつながっているだけである。大袈裟に大きな鎧のせいで周りを見渡すことも出来ない上に、体は船状の土台に乗っているため移動さえも出来ない有様。敵に接近されないと思っているのか、武器は大型の長距離専用のみで、取り回しの良い小型の武器は持っていない。しかも後ろからは絶対攻撃されない自信があるらしく、後部は一切武装していない。しかし、かつてはこのロボットも小型の武装と軽い鎧しかなかったが、小さな体で俊敏に縦横無尽に動き回っていたのだ。そして今、かつての自分と同じような者たちに、その驕りを崩されようとしているが、果たしてそれに気付いているのだろうか？」(Here stands a robot clad in heavy armour and massive weaponry. For many years it has used its immense power to dominate this region as though it were its own. Yet behind the seemingly solid front, the back of its body is left unarmoured, its skeleton exposed, powered only by a small, outdated engine with thin cables running into the frame. The exaggerated bulk of its armour prevents it from even surveying its surroundings, and its body rests on a ship-like base that leaves it incapable of movement. Believing no enemy could come near, it carries only large long-range weapons, with no smaller arms for close combat. Overconfident that it will never be attacked from behind, its rear remains completely undefended. Once, however, this robot bore only light armour and small weapons, darting about swiftly and freely with its small frame. And now, it is those very figures - much like its former self - who threaten to topple its arrogance. But is it even aware of this?)

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]