Izumi Yokoyama

Statement

I Want You depicts a unique example of cultural misunderstanding of similar gestures in different cultures. I am interested in what certain physical gestures mean to different people in different cultures. I Want You includes images of a traditional Japanese woman with a colorful kimono on the left and a stereotypical figure of traditional African man with his arrow and shield on the right. Both figures share similar postures. Their right arms are up by their heads. Yet, one means indirect seduction while the other stands for a hunting pose, which demonstrates their strength, power, and authority. Inspirations for this work arrived from an experience of an African man who is a friend of my family. When he first encountered Japanese society, he found similarities between his culture and that of Japan. Yet, later he realized that he had misunderstood certain gestures and customs. Unfamiliar gestures and behaviors confuse us. Familiar gestures with different meanings cause more complicated and problematic issues in communication. However, difference is fascinating. Deviation enriches each culture and matures its history. The world would be extremely tiring with no appreciation of humorous dissimilarity. Acceptance of difference in different cultures is the first step for development of a new understanding in our society.