Fukuoka_2005_2 — Motoi Yamamoto, Fukuoka 2005. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Enormous, breathtaking salt sculptures by Japanese Motoi Yamamoto

Words by Liv Siddall, Monday 06 August 2012

There is definitely an otherworldly and entirely unique feeling that is evoked when stepping into a room that has been utterly transformed by an installation piece. In this case, the magical feeling is all thanks to Motoi Yamamoto, a Japanese artist who works exclusively with salt to create enormous patterns on to the floor of beautiful spaces. As well as intricate labyrinths of salt leading up to entire mountain ranges of the stuff, Motoi’s most impressive works are those that replicate the aesthetic of a foaming, whirlpooled ocean or a satellite’s view of a raging storm. The use of a medium so raw and connected with the earth and the human body yet also something we interact with on a daily basis makes for some truly powerful sculpture. If you live in LA catch his work in the flesh at Laband Art Gallery until December.

Bellevue_2012 — Motoi Yamamoto. Bellevue 2012. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Charleston_2012_1 — Motoi Yamamoto, Charleston 2012. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Charleston_2012_2 — Motoi Yamamoto, Charleston 2012. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Cologne_2010 — Motoi Yamamoto, Cologne 2010. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Fukuoka_2005_1 — Motoi Yamamoto, Fukuoka 2005. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

Toulouse_2011 — Motoi Yamamoto, Toulouse 2011. Photography by Makoto Morisawa

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