Takahiro Komuro

Brightly coloured gloss sculptures by Takahiro Komuro balance fantasy with horror. Dragons, children and chimeric creatures sport double heads, many limbs and elongated necks. They range in size from small vinyl toys to large, life-sized creations. As the artist describes, they are “cute but shocking,” inspiring “a sense of discomfort.” Komuro begins his process with a digital render. Then he translates them into sculptures made of materials including bronze, wood and fibreglass. The artist is part of a generation blurring the boundaries between fine art and design. Alongside the likes of Kaws and Michael Lau.

Komuro is inspired by his youth. Growing up in the 1990s, a wide range of cultural influences formed the basis of his practice. “Everything I experienced was astonishing and I wanted to crystalise that.” Sci-fi films like Jurassic Park, Star Wars and E.T. captivated him. Along with Barbie dolls and punk rock cover art. American cartoons were also a staple. Admired by the artist for their bold colours and gross storylines. The series Eternal Youth (2021) encapsulates this essence. Kids with faces in bandages represent hanging out with friends and getting hurt. As such, Komuro captures the joy and peril of free spirited play – using art to embrace his inner kid.