shashasha

Genichiro Inokuma (1902-1993) was one of Japan’s leading post-war painters. He and his wife Fumiko were also avid collectors of objects from all over the world, amassing a peculiar library of items that speak of their aesthetic sensibilities – furniture, dolls, toys, traditional craft, tools, etc.

The book “Butsu Butsu” constitutes a project created in collaboration between Japanese photographer Takashi Homma, stylist Miyoko Okao and graphic designer Shunji Okura, responsible for the book’s design. With Okao having made a selection of items from among Inokuma’s collection, Homma photographed them in a neutral yet intimate manner in front of a blue-and-white backdrop and soft light. Okao and Homma then offer brief, impromptu commentary for each item (playing on the title’s double-meaning – literally written “thing-thing”, but pronounced like the onomatopoeia for “to mutter, to grumble”). The book takes a look at what one’s tastes and collected items may say about one’s personality, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of one of Japan’s most acclaimed abstract artists.

The book concludes with an essay by author Toshiyuki Horie (all texts only available in Japanese).