Hirotoshi Itoh: Not Your Average Rock Art

Posted by Marianthe Smart

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Hirotoshi Itoh

Have you ever picked up a stone from a river bed, in your local park, on a country walk? Maybe you looked at the pretty colours, skimmed it along the water, if you were particularly ambitious, nicked a larger one for your garden. But did you ever think there was a smile lurking there? A purse? Maybe open up that rock to unleash golden baubles and shells? I’m sure it never even crossed you mind, although the thought that I may be a little off with the fairies probably has. Well, to defend my case I present artist and stone mason Hirotoshi Itoh. Award winning and having exhibited across the globe, this Japanese sculptor was inspired by the natural quality of stone, 'optimizing a stone’s original shape'. And his work does just that. Collecting stones from a neighbourhood river, Itoh never muddles the natural form of the rocks, creating fascinating sculptures that range from exquisite to eerie, with a bit of quirk added into every one.

Itoh’s painstaking dedication to detail is astounding, especially given his medium’s stubborn nature. He seems to see past the difficulty that comes with hand-working rock, giving each stone its own personality and once again bringing this neglected medium back into the limelight. Taking the concept of rock being hard and cold, Itoh juxtaposes this by imbuing a 'warmth and humour', giving his stones teeth, eyes (yes, you read that right), and unzipping their gorgeous artistic potential with an inquisitive eye and clearly, a fantastic sense of humour.

Rock Art by Hirotoshi Itoh

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 1.

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 2.

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 3.

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 4.

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 5.

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art

Hirotoshi Itoh rock art. Image 6.

RECENT STORIES

Create a Record Cover with London’s Salvador Dali of Rave

Junior will sketch out an idea for a record cover or an A4 poster and will create…

Have you tried to freeze your own hair?

Once the hair is frozen with lots of frost and ice build-up, which happens in around…

The Famous Abbey Road of London

Explore the London's iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing, why it's so famous and which…

Top 9 Virtual Beach Travel Destinations

Top travel destinations to watch while you're quarantined...

How to cut your own hair during the Coronavirus pandemic

With hair salons closed in many countries during the coronavirus lockdown we are…

Facial Hair Styles During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Facial hair is a hot topic during the coronavirus pandemic with individuals, organisations…

Crazy: Attempts to Escape the Coronavirus Lockdowns

Would you rent a private jet or buy a boat and do a crash course in sailing?

Coronavirus: Bog Roll Bandits - toilet paper theft during Covid-19 outbreak

Shameless thieves stealing toilet paper - a crime picking up in several countries.…

Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park 2019

Frieze Sculpture returns to London's Regent’s Park showcasing artworks of over 20…

Bucharest: 5 superb ideas for things to do in the Romanian capital

Top things to do on a long weekend break in Bucharest, including tips and photos!…