Yoshio Honjo, a Sydney based tattoo artist, first met television and radio presenter Yumi Stynes during the opening reception of the 2020 Archibald Prize, where he was the finalist.
The reception was held online due to the pandemic, and Stynes was the MC leading the event.
Not only did they share the same Japanese heritage, Honjo's wife was a big fan of Stynes.
"My wife told me I should paint her (Stynes)" Honjo tells SBS Japanese.
But before this encounter, Stynes who follows many artist on her Instagram, had already stumbled across Honjo's account and became mesmerised with his work.
"I deep dived into his work, and actually ended up buying one of his print" Stynes spoke to SBS Japanese,
Many of Honjo's work depict male characters, such that Stynes had to look hard to find a female character.
"I wanted my wall populated by strong women"
Yoshio, who saw Stynes as a leading figure for women, thought depicting Stynes as an onnna-musha or female samurai was perfect way to express her power and strength.
Archibald Prize 2022 finalist, Yoshio Honjo, Yumi Stynes as onna-musha (female samurai), natural earth pigments on handmade washipaper, 97 x 66 cm © the artist Source: © AGNSW, Mim Stirling
Onna-musha existed during Japan’s Kamakura period (1192–1333) . They were thought to be strong women, who protected their family in battle.
Like his 2020 work, that depicted SBS Cook up host, Adam Liaw as one of Japanese mythology's Seven Lucky Gods, Ebisu, Yumi Stynes as onna-musha (female samurai) is distinctively Japanese.
Honjo who specializes in wabori-a large scale traditional Japanese tattoo, takes inspiration from Japanese woodblock print, Ukiyo-E.
"Ukiyo-E and wabori are connected. In fact, I think wabori came from Ukiyo-E" says Honjo.
Although tattoo is becoming more common in modern day Japan, it still has negative connotation with yakuza or Japanese mafia groups, such that many public places ban people with the body art, or direct them to hide.
However in the Edo period, tattoo were worn by fire fighters or hero of the town, synonymous with bravery.
"When you look into the history, it is really interesting" says Honjo.
Honjo hopes to gradually shift from tattoo artist to an artist, brining back Ukiyo-E with this own touch and story.
"I want to spread the Japanese culture, and show how wonderful it is"
Exhibitions for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes will on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until 28th August 2022.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm(AEST)
