Takato Yamamoto is best known for a unique style that he calls “Heisei Estheticism,” which draws on the genres of traditional Ukiyo-e, manga, and contemporary gothic horror. His drawings and paintings have shown widely in Japan, receiving acclaim for their technical skill and fantastic, sensual portrayal of women. Yamamoto began developing his unique visual language in the early 1990s, after working as a commercial illustrator in advertising. Within a few years, he had his solo debut at a gallery in Ginza, Tokyo; he also quickly attracted a market for catalogs of his illustrations. Working with a dark color palette, Yamamoto infuses his images with gothic mascots such as vampires and Lolita-esque figures. In addition to creating artworks, he has illustrated novels, short stories, and magazine covers.
山本タカトは1960年秋田県生まれ。83年東京造形大学造形学部美術学科卒業。80年代は主に企業広告のイラストレーションを手がけ、90年代初頭から19世紀末美術や浮世絵の影響のもとに、小説の挿絵を描き出す。その傍ら「平成耽美主義」と銘打って、幻想耽美なオリジナル作品を制作。以降、画集『緋色のマニエラ』『ナルシスの祭壇』『ファルマコンの蠱惑』『殉教者のためのディヴェルティメント』『ヘルマフロディトゥスの肋骨』（editions treville 刊）、エッセイ画集『幻色のぞき窓』『山羊のいる庭で』（芸術新聞社）刊行。表紙絵・挿絵の制作、個展の開催など、意欲的な活動をつづける。現在国際浮世絵学会会員。