Untitled

Painted images of women, or rather young kawaii women, Aya Takano not only shows how deeply rooted Japan's culture is in animated literature, manga and fantasy but also the psychological need people have for a fantastical escaper. Painted in 2011, Present (Lot 558) is a large-scale, diamond shaped piece showcasing young city dwellers in an imagined city out under the deep dark city of midnight blue. The large girl who looms over the skyline is taking a picture with her pink smartphone in an almost meditative stance. Flamboyantly dressed, is she an evocation of a saintly vision or a representation of a modern-day geisha, a creature of the night? Takano sees the city at night as a place of high-spirited adventure, fantasy and escape and depicts that fleeting moment when the distinction between innocence and youth are purposefully blurred. Takano's works often evoke happiness and a sense of optimism. It is not dark or overtly sensuous but mysterious and deep. Present removes the viewer from the monotonous life of work. They also remind the viewer that Takano and Japanese youth manage to meld reality and fantasy. Whimsical in both colour and subject matter, she is embraced in Japan and internationally for these delicate reflections on our reality and dreams.

Both painted in 2006, Twinkle (Lot 605) and Dinosaur O (Lot 604) pay tribute to the imaginative mind of Aya Takano and the audience. Her use of diluted watercolours reinforces the sensual simplicity of her images which combine fragility and the visual virtuosity of the artist. As an artist associated with the contemporary art style dubbed "Superflat", Takano's works are the exemplification of Japan's post-war cultural affluence, and its diverse yet unified aesthetic traditions. Inspired by modern shojo manga, ukiyo-e and shunga traditions of the Edo period in Japan, her new pop aesthetics reveals the perceived complexities of contemporary life. Waif-like prepubescent girls populate the scenes of Twinkle and Dinosaur O, provocatively dressed and riding strange animals and dinosaurs, with the charming pastel colours. They are refreshing visions, an escape from our daily sight of skyscrapers, offices and computers and remind us of a life beyond our daily existence.