{"title":"Summer 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eRich in colour, symbolism and storytelling, YAMA's debut with Castle Fine Art introduces an exciting new voice in contemporary Pop Surrealism—one that encourages us to pause, look closer and discover meaning beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing inspiration from the familiarity of animated culture, YAMA's soft, expressive characters offer an accessible way into complex narratives. What first appears joyful and whimsical gradually reveals deeper reflections on conformity, self-worth, capitalism and the search for authenticity. Through his recurring characters, \u003cem\u003eMoo \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eHomini\u003c\/em\u003e, he explores themes of identity, consumerism, emotional wellbeing and the contradictions of human behaviour, inviting viewers to question the systems and social norms that quietly shape everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"yama-summer-2026-framed-set-of-two","title":"Summer 2026 | Framed Set of Two","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand-signed Flatbed Giclée Limited Edition Artwork Set by YAMA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich in colour, symbolism and storytelling, YAMA's debut with Castle Fine Art introduces an exciting new voice in contemporary Pop Surrealism—one that encourages us to pause, look closer and discover meaning beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Bubbling’ marks the first appearance of YAMA's character \u003cem\u003eHomini\u003c\/em\u003e, introducing a figure that would later become central to the artist's exploration of human behaviour, identity, and societal influence. The character appears innocent, optimistic, and full of possibility, existing in a state before the influences of overconsumption, capitalism, and societal expectations begin to shape its worldview. The artwork offers viewers an early glimpse into \u003cem\u003eHomini's \u003c\/em\u003epersonality - whilst the character appears shy and reserved, there is also a subtle sense of mischief and curiosity in its expression. This combination of innocence and playfulness hints at the complexity that will continue to develop throughout the character's narrative. The gentle palette contrasts with the more complex themes that \u003cem\u003eHomini \u003c\/em\u003ewill later encounter, positioning the work as an introduction to the character before it becomes aware of the pressures and expectations of the world around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention behind ‘Field of Moo’ was to imagine an alternative reality: a more hopeful and optimistic version of the character's existence. This shift in tone reflects an important aspect of YAMA's practice: the exploration of emotional contradictions. While many of his works address difficult themes, they are often balanced by moments of hope, humour, and imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than depicting the character through the lens of industrial farming and consumption, the painting presents \u003cem\u003eMoo \u003c\/em\u003ein a setting that represents freedom, playfulness, and individuality. The artwork became an opportunity to visualise the character's \"dream life\"—a world where Moo is valued simply for being itself rather than for its economic purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/products\/fields-of-moo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eFields of Moo\u003c\/a\u003e’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/products\/bubbling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBubbling\u003c\/a\u003e’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama-summer-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ethis collection\u003c\/a\u003e or shop Yama’s art \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65141936882013,"sku":"YAM-SLE-HUM-40858","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0883\/1906\/6461\/files\/YamaSetoftwo.jpg?v=1783087000"},{"product_id":"fields-of-moo","title":"Fields of Moo","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand-signed Flatbed Giclée Limited Edition Artwork by YAMA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the creation of ‘Processed’ which focuses on themes of commodification, control, and the loss of autonomy, ‘Field of Moo’ was created as a response to those ideas—a vision of what life might look like if Moo existed beyond the systems that define it as a product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention behind ‘Field of Moo’ was to imagine an alternative reality: a more hopeful and optimistic version of the character's existence. Rather than depicting the character through the lens of industrial farming and consumption, the painting presents \u003cem\u003eMoo \u003c\/em\u003ein a setting that represents freedom, playfulness, and individuality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the creation of 'Processed', YAMA found himself increasingly connected to the character and felt the need to explore its story from a different emotional perspective - ‘Field of Moo’ became an opportunity to visualise the character's \"dream life\"—a world where \u003cem\u003eMoo \u003c\/em\u003eis valued simply for being itself rather than for its economic purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shift in tone reflects an important aspect of YAMA's practice: the exploration of emotional contradictions. While many of his works address difficult themes, they are often balanced by moments of hope, humour, and imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis artwork is also available in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/products\/yama-summer-2026-framed-set-of-two\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eset of two\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama-summer-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ethis collection\u003c\/a\u003e or shop Yama’s art \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65141936980317,"sku":"YAM-SLE-HUM-40419","price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0883\/1906\/6461\/files\/YamaFieldofMoo_0.jpg?v=1783086969"},{"product_id":"bubbling","title":"Bubbling","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand-signed Flatbed Giclée Limited Edition Artwork by YAMA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Bubbling’ marks the first appearance of YAMA's character Homini, introducing a figure that would later become central to the artist's exploration of human behaviour, identity, and societal influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of YAMA's later works, which carry more direct commentary on consumerism and social pressures, ‘Bubbling’ presents \u003cem\u003eHomini \u003c\/em\u003eat the beginning of its journey. The character appears innocent, optimistic, and full of possibility, existing in a state before the influences of overconsumption, capitalism, and societal expectations begin to shape its worldview.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork offers viewers an early glimpse into \u003cem\u003eHomini's \u003c\/em\u003epersonality. Although the character appears shy and reserved, there is also a subtle sense of mischief and curiosity in its expression. This combination of innocence and playfulness hints at the complexity that will continue to develop throughout the character's narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHomini \u003c\/em\u003eitself emerged through experimentation and character design. The figure was created by combining elements from a series of sketches featuring different animals, including a pig, sheep, and monkey. The resulting form became something entirely new—a hybrid character that feels both familiar and unusual. This ambiguity reflects YAMA's interest in exploring the contradictions of human nature through animal-inspired symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe visual language of 'Bubbling' reinforces the artwork's optimistic tone. Soft pastel colours and a cloud-filled background create a light, dreamlike atmosphere that emphasises feelings of innocence, imagination, and potential. The gentle palette contrasts with the more complex themes that Homini will later encounter, positioning the work as an introduction to the character before it becomes aware of the pressures and expectations of the world around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the first appearance of \u003cem\u003eHomini\u003c\/em\u003e, ‘Bubbling’ serves as a foundation for the character's ongoing development. It captures a moment of curiosity and possibility, presenting a figure that has yet to be shaped by the social, cultural, and emotional forces that form the basis of YAMA's wider artistic narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis artwork is also available in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/products\/yama-summer-2026-framed-set-of-two\"\u003eset of two\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama-summer-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ethis collection\u003c\/a\u003e or shop Yama’s art \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/collections\/yama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65141937045853,"sku":"YAM-SLE-HUM-40420","price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0883\/1906\/6461\/files\/YamaBubbling_0.jpg?v=1783086888"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0883\/1906\/6461\/collections\/YAMA_COLLECTION_BANNER.jpg?v=1785146341","url":"https:\/\/www.castlefineart.com\/en-jp\/collections\/yama-summer-2026.oembed","provider":"Castle Fine Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}