Timeline

Born in Japan in 1940 and educated at The Art Center College of Design in California, Michael K. Yamaoka honed his eye as an award-winning advertising and editorial photographer of the Fortune 500 before devoting himself to fine art. Traveling worldwide, he seeks majesty and beauty in both nature and man’s creations, often incorporating a Goddess figure in a modern interpretation of mythology. In addition to exhibitions in Germany, Japan, the United States and Great Britain, he was honored in 2017 with a solo exhibition at the United Nations in New York. His work is included in corporate and private collections worldwide, including the personal collection of I.M. Pei.

He is presently a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club in NY, where he has been honored with numerous awards for photography.