Ever thought those everyday newspapers could be a canvas for epic art?
Recently, a colossal art piece crafted from World War II-era newspapers, depicting the iconic "Battleship Yamato" – a symbol of the former Imperial Japanese Navy – has sparked a massive buzz on Japan's X (formerly Twitter). Though still a work in progress, its astonishing level of detail has already left netizens floored, with comments like, "It's already mind-blowing just like this!" and "The sheer presence is overwhelming!"
This incredible creation is the work of contemporary artist Atsushi Adachi, whose artistic theme revolves around "recording memories." He aims to materialize these memories using materials from the past, documenting unseen existences in a tangible form. His works have been exhibited globally in recent years.
The subject, the "Battleship Yamato," was a pivotal warship for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Adachi's core artistic philosophy has always been "to embed historical data directly onto the artwork's surface, resurrecting the atmosphere and authenticity of that era, and prompting viewers to re-examine history and the events themselves."
This is why he frequently uses printed materials like old newspapers as creative fodder, directly embedding traces of history into his pieces.
For this "Yamato" project, he once again utilized actual WWII-era newspapers for its surface. The main structure is crafted from layers of corrugated cardboard, much like a cat scratcher, while the bridge and other sections utilize drawing boards. Intricate details like the main cannons and masts are fashioned from paper-based cotton swabs. From hull to every single component, the entire battleship is made of paper, including high-grade cardstock, traditional Japanese washi paper, copy paper, and even vintage wartime newspapers.
The most captivating aspect of this artwork is the myriad of newspapers covering its surface – all genuine issues published during the "Battleship Yamato's" lifespan, from its launch to its sinking. This isn't limited to Showa 19 (1944); it includes actual newspapers from its launch day, the attack on Pearl Harbor, wartime reports, and even the very day Yamato sank in Showa 20 (1945). The entire vessel becomes a "readable" history book.
Beyond the triumphant headlines, you can also spot phrases revealing anxiety and tension, quietly narrating the era's atmosphere and the brutal reality of war. This artwork doesn't just recreate the fate of a battleship; it subtly poses the question, "What exactly is war?" through the medium of art.
This ongoing project isn't just astonishingly detailed in its form; it's a powerful artistic statement, silently urging us to ponder the true nature of conflict.
This paper-crafted "Yamato" is slated to appear this July and August at Takashimaya department stores in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, as part of the "Showa 100th Anniversary Special Exhibition – Reflecting on the Showa Era Through Words and Forms." If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit!
via： 足立篤史 X 帳號