The “Constellation” portraits by Kumi Yamashita use only three materials: a solid white wooden panel, galvanized nails, and a single piece of sewing thread. It is through the density of the thread woven between the nails that the gradients of the portrait develop.
A portrait of the artist’s niece (pictured above) entitled “Mana” was chosen as a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum. The piece will be on display along with the other 47 finalists through February 23.