BARAKEI: ORDEAL BY ROSES

• Intimate Collaboration: Features a unique partnership between photographer Eikoh Hosoe and writer Yukio Mishima, blending visual and literary artistry.
• Surreal Imagery: Contains high-contrast black-and-white photographs that delve into themes of death, eroticism, and existentialism.
• Collector’s Edition: This 100-page hardcover edition, measuring 10 x 14.25 inches, is a valuable addition to art and photography collections.
• Historical Context: Provides insight into the life of Yukio Mishima, a significant figure in post-war Japanese literature, who died by ritual suicide in 1970.
• Artistic Design: The book's layout reflects the dark, theatrical imagination of its creators, challenging traditional Japanese aesthetics.

What transpires when the boundaries of art and identity blur?

In "Ba-ra-kei: Ordeal by Roses," Eikoh Hosoe and Yukio Mishima embark on a collaborative journey that transcends conventional portraiture. Through a series of hauntingly beautiful photographs, Hosoe captures Mishima in various staged scenarios, each image a testament to the writer's complex persona and the photographer's visionary artistry.

The high-contrast black-and-white imagery delves deep into themes of death, eroticism, and existentialism, reflecting both Mishima's literary preoccupations and Hosoe's avant-garde approach to photography. The book's design further enhances its impact, with a layout that challenges traditional aesthetics and invites readers to explore the intricate interplay between text and image.

Highlights:

• Intimate Collaboration: A rare fusion of visual and literary art, showcasing the synergy between Hosoe's photography and Mishima's presence.
• Surreal Imagery: Striking photographs that explore profound themes, pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture.
• Collector’s Edition: A meticulously crafted volume that holds significant value for enthusiasts of art and photography.
• Historical Context: Offers a window into the life and mind of Yukio Mishima, providing context to his literary contributions and personal narrative.
• Artistic Design: A thoughtfully designed book that enhances the viewer's engagement with its compelling content.

"Ba-ra-kei: Ordeal by Roses" stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration, inviting readers to delve into a world where the lines between reality and imagination are exquisitely blurred. For those seeking a profound exploration of identity, art, and the human condition, this work offers an unparalleled visual and intellectual experience.