The artwork titled “Ballad Dedicated To An Amputated Little Finger” was created by Tadanori Yokoo in 1967. This piece is associated with the Pop Art movement and falls under the genre of a poster.
The artwork presents a vivid and dynamic composition that juxtaposes various visual elements. At the forefront, there is an image of a contemplative man, rendered in a monochromatic style, holding a sword-like object. Behind him, the bold, stylized waves reminiscent of traditional Japanese woodblock prints add a layer of cultural context. Dominating the upper portion of the poster, a large hand with its little finger notably absent, painted in a striking blue hue, draws the viewer’s attention. Red splatters and traditional Japanese text frame the scene, contributing to the intricate and symbolic nature of the piece. This amalgamation of contemporary and traditional imagery exemplifies Yokoo’s distinctive approach to Pop Art, merging Western and Eastern visual languages.
