Maiko Kobayashi

b. 1977, Yokohama-City, Japan. Maiko Kobayashi is a Tokyo-based artist whose paintings depict child-like creatures that portray emotional depths. Their raw feelings are contrasted with the cuteness of the illustrations. This creates a psychological inner-world – one we can easily relate to. Each illustration includes a layer of gesso and acrylic on Japanese Washi paper or canvas, charcoal-drawn figures that are then redrawn repeatedly, and block color background. The colors are reminiscent of traditional Japanese-style painting styles and illustrations. (Courtesy of Avant Arte).