Hiroyuki Kimura - Positive Hand #19

Hiroyuki Kimura presents his collection of 30 small drawings, titled “Positive Hand” created using a unique technique. These artworks were made by applying ink to his palm and then pressing it onto paper. He then used a brush to emphasize the contours, creating dynamic images of sumo wrestlers in action. These pieces were drawn live during sumo matches, making them a form of reportage drawing.

This method of palm printing is inspired by an ancient Chinese finger painting technique, where only fingers were used for painting. This technique has deep roots in Chinese history and was often used to create detailed and expressive artworks.

Kimura’s primary inspiration, however, comes from the prehistoric paintings in the Chauvet Cave in France. These paintings, which are over 30,000 years old, include negative handprints created by blowing pigments around hands pressed against the cave walls. This produced negative images of hands that continue to fascinate with their simplicity and depth. Kimura has reversed this concept by creating positive handprints, adding a unique and modern touch to his works.

This collection not only pays homage to traditional techniques but also provides an innovative way to capture the strength and elegance of sumo wrestlers.

These works have also been exhibited in Japan.