Toshio Saeki 佐伯俊男

Toshio Saeki was born in 1945 in Miyazaki Japan. He had quitted his advertising job, before he made his debut on magazine "Heibon Punch" in 1970. His distinct works interweaved eroticism, Humor and horror, and were praised by Shuji Terayama and Tatsuhiko Shibusawa.

His works ,which are also regarded as modern “Shunga” ( 春画 ) or “Yokaiga” ( 妖怪画 ), have never been confined to the underground scene, but are renowned among cultural figures from worldwide. Saeki’ s popularity was proved in 1972, when John Lennon adapted his work in the album “Sometime in New York city” with Yoko Ono without prior permission.

The world view of black humor and eroticism in Saeki’ s works unveils all different kinds of sexual taboo, and is flooded with provocative gimmickry that stimulates our inner selves. His works are not just erotic depictions created by lustful intensions, but with high literary value by composing various forms of elements of love and desire. Also, "line" of Saeki captures the border of exquisite simplicity and computation which make his works an art, and amplified his works’ persuasiveness by many times.

Saeki has already staged exhibitions not only in Japan but also in UK, France, Israel, US and some other countries, to show to the world his unique works imbued with his shocking and lonesome world view. He acquired lots of fans, and his works gained high reputation among Ukiyo-e and pop art especially overseas. Through his supporters, including musicians and various types of genre artists, Saeki has engaged in numerous collaboration works, such as CD Jackets and posters of Kan Mikami and Garlic Boys, book illustrations and stage artworks.

Previous Exhibitions