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goh mishima
A burgeoning subculture emerged after World War II alongside
the gay underground. The Yakuza -- the so-called "Japanese
Mafia",with taciturn manliness, cropped haircuts, and elaborate
body tattoos -- exerted a fascination for the artist that
became a signature attribute of his later artwork. His friendship
with Yukio Mishima was, not surprisingly, forged at a gymnasium.
Both shared an interest in bodybuilding, karate, fencing,
and other sports, as well as an admiration of the male body
and the attributes of masculinity.
At Yukio Mishima's encouragement, the artist began to express
his homoerotic desires in his artwork, and he began to draw
the male nude in earnest, including the realistic depiction
of genitals, which was illegal.
Around the same period, during the late 50s and early 60s,
Mishima became familiar with and admired the drawings of
Tom of Finland (1920-1991). Of the same generation, there
are many similarities in their artistic output and socio-sexual
impact.
After Yukio Mishima committed seppuku (ritualistic hari-kiri)
in 1970, Goh Mishima's work took a darker, more violent
turn. Reflecting the influence of his friend and mentor,
Mishima began to depict bondage, torture, and masochism
in his work.
Please be aware that these drawings are marked on the back
with the artist's stamp.
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