BARAKEI (ORDEAL by ROSES) reedited edition
In 1970, the photo collection BARAKEI (ORDEAL by ROSES) shot by Eiko Hosoe for writer Yukio Mishima, decided to reprint and republish it, and Mishima asked Yokoo Tadanori to design the binding. Yokoo Tadanori is a Japanese artist and binding designer, known for his ability to combine Japanese elements with pop art.
The design of the new edition is luxurious. The oversized book, measuring 42cm x 56cm, is put in a cardboard box. Once the outer box is removed, the main photo album is wrapped in a four-sided fold. When unfolded, they form a complete illustration of Yukio Mishima's full-body portrait with the background. Yokoo created five vibrant, Indian religious-themed illustrations for this album, placed inside the box to create an ideal world, opening the box reveals a nude portrait of Yukio Mishima.
In this edition, Yokoo incorporated illustrations with a strong personal touch and depicted the spiritual world jointly constructed by Eikoh Hosoe and Yukio Mishima in the style of Indian religious paintings. This approach reflects his deep interest in the "phenomenon of the gap between the sacred and the secular" and the "celebrity effect of mass media." Mishima's suicide profoundly shocked Yokoo, prompting him to contemplate death and shift his focus from the youthful pursuit of revolutionary spirit to the study of life, the cosmos, and mysticism.
The BARAKEI (ORDEAL by ROSES) reedited edition is not only Tadanori Yokoo's pinnacle in book design but also marks a turning point in his life. This work showcases his ultimate pursuit of beauty and his profound exploration of the spiritual world. Additionally, it signifies the beginning of his artistic style transitioning from pop and psychedelic to deeper spiritual expression.
