Ay-O (1931) - Rainbow

Ay-O (靉嘔) – "Rainbow"
Silkscreen, Edition 53/75, 1980


Created in 1980, this magnificent silkscreen from Ay-O's celebrated "Rainbow" series is a masterful expression of one of the artist's lifelong themes: the belief that color is a universal language capable of transcending nationality, culture, and spoken words.

Unlike many rainbow depictions that rely on literal representation, Ay-O strips away every unnecessary element. There are no clouds, no horizon, no figures—only pure bands of radiant color stretching endlessly across the composition. Yet these are not static stripes. Each layer carries subtle brush-like movement, creating the impression of flowing air, drifting light, or waves of color moving across an infinite horizon.

The result is surprisingly emotional.

The brilliant reds and oranges radiate warmth and vitality before gradually dissolving into luminous greens, deep ocean blues, and rich violets. The transitions feel effortless, almost musical, echoing the rhythm of a symphony rather than the structure of a painting. Standing before the work, one experiences not simply color, but movement, atmosphere, and optimism.

The title, simply "Rainbow," reflects Ay-O's conviction that one of nature's most universal phenomena belongs to everyone. Across cultures, the rainbow has symbolized hope, peace, renewal, and the promise of brighter days. Rather than assigning a fixed narrative, Ay-O leaves space for each viewer to discover their own memories within the spectrum.



As one of the most important members of the legendary Fluxus movement, Ay-O pursued art that was playful, sensory, and deeply human. While many Fluxus artists challenged artistic conventions through performances and conceptual experiments, Ay-O found his own voice through color itself. His internationally acclaimed Rainbow series became his signature, establishing him as one of Japan's most recognizable postwar artists and bringing his work into major museum collections throughout Europe, America, and Japan.

Technically, this silkscreen is equally impressive. The extraordinary richness of pigment demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of the medium, while the subtle variations within each color band reveal that the work is far more than a simple geometric composition. Every transition has been carefully balanced, allowing the spectrum to appear fluid and almost luminous.

This example is particularly desirable as it belongs to a limited edition of only 75 impressions, with this print numbered 53/75. Compared with many contemporary editions, this relatively small edition enhances its scarcity and long-term collectibility.



◆About Ay-O(靉嘔)◆

Real name: Takao Iijima, born May 19, 1931, in Ibaraki Prefecture.

After graduating from the Department of Art, Faculty of Education, Tokyo University of Education (now the University of Tsukuba), he joined the Democratic Artists Association in 1953. He moved to the United States in 1958, where he encountered and joined the Fluxus movement.

International Exhibitions:

1966: Exhibited as a representative artist at the Venice Biennale

1970: Received the Tokyo Prize at the 7th Tokyo International Print Biennale for "Rainbow Hokusai"

1971: Exhibited at the São Paulo Biennale (received the Banco do Brasil Prize)

1971: Received the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Award (New York Japanese Art Exhibition)

1995: Received the Medal with Purple Ribbon (from the Japanese government)

2005: Received the Order of the Rising Sun

2023–24: Large-scale retrospectives at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art ("Happy Rainbow Hell") and M+ in Hong Kong ("Ay-O: Hong Hong Hong")

[Size]
58×69cm


[Condition]
It is in good condition, but there are stains on the border area.

Please check the photos for details.

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