shashasha

"Nostalgic Hentai" is an artists book. The content is comprised by painted underwear and found images. The watercolors are opposed with found material, which appears to originate from Berlin flea-markets: German Olympia-collectibles of the 30ies, which depict Japanese athletes, vernacular photography depicting bathing people, a playing card with hearts, a Japanese stamp.

Even if Kawabe is taking up historical predecessors such as Araki, Takase and Tomatsu, the way the found material is treated, and also the precise and sensitive watercolors reveal a different, more gentle approach. If the Japanese artist, especially with the selection of photographs, is retracing her own identity, remains open.