Sorayama 1964-1999
The Complete Works of Hajime Sorayama
(Someday, I have to sit at Terry's coffee table- ed.)

It is pretty hard to imagine that there are adults who are unfamiliar with Hajime Sorayama's work because whether most people know it or not, you have probably seen his work before. This small, but thick, collection of his airbrushed erotica, captures the bulk of Sorayama's career. Most famous for his sexy airbrush erotic robots, Japanese artist Sorayama, has really had his hand in many aspects of graphic design and his work has been all over the place. Painted with stunning realism, Sorayama manages to create some of the most graphically explicit, sexual art I have ever seen. His work is not tame in any respect and is not for the timid, but for the fan of erotica, Sorayama's work is graceful gift. Part science fiction, part American Hell's Angel, it is sometimes puzzling that this artist is from Japan and not part of a motorcycle gang in the heartland of America. His work has a Western feel and influence that is unmistakable, (some of the images are strangely exploitive, but artistic nonetheless.)
This is a nice collection and a good introduction to an artist who has been a part of the art scene for over 30 years, but is too often dismissed as a pornographic artist. His skill and talent deserves better and this book is a fine tribute to a breathtaking career.

Terry Osterhout
September 2003