surreal landscape scene with a central, semi-nude figure with splayed out long hair

Aya Takano

Anthem (Detail)

€800

Edition of 7041.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cm

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In a self-penned surreal universe, Aya Takano ruminates on rebirth and freedom.

Set in a pink dreamscape, Anthem (Detail) is based on the central panel of a larger painting, dated 2014. The scene’s protagonist floats front and centre – eyes hollow, hair splayed, unaffected by gravity. Behind her, Takano’s eerie beach is littered with animals and androgynous human figures. Logic and hierarchy are gently dissolved. As ever, Takano offers her viewer an escape from the rules and restraints of normality.

Aya Takano2 collaborationsAya Takano's drawings and paintings share personal and quietly political visions of freedom. Her signature wide-eyed figures are delicately rendered in soft lines and muted hues with watercolor, graphite and oil. She sees her work in lineage from 70s Shōjo manga (girl comics), founded on an ethos of feminine strength and power. Classical literature, folklore, science-fiction and Western Impressionism are also important influences for the artist. Throughout the works, recognisable motifs like architecture and urban space blend with dreamlike perspectives in order to challenge notions of ‘normality.’ “It looks abnormal in Western culture, but it may be normal in the unconscious world.” Thus, the artist poses a pertinent question: if the constructed limits of normality can shift in dreams, why are they often so rigid in society?

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Reviews from Avant collectors

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Review of Portrait of Francis Bacon
Love, love, love this piece of amazing work...from the craftmanship, brilliance of the colors, to the title it is fire! My new fave...among many other favorites! The treatment my framer gave it is delicious and aww inspiring...thanks Avant Arte!
Review of In Search For Light
10/10 The customer service was great, it didn't take long to receive the package, the shipping was ultra safe and the entire presentation was top tier. Very impressed, cheers!
Review of Guardian Lion
Wonderful experience. Art looks amazing. Unbelievable framing. Thank you!!
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
I’m really happy to add this piece to my collection. It’s always a pleasure working with you — thank you for making everything so smooth. Looking forward to hearing about more great works!
Review of Untitled
Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
The piece arrived very safely packaged. We haven't yet had it framed, but I'm very excited to see it hanging in our space.
Review of Guardian
Love the quality of the build
Review of Ugly Bastard

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