Aya Takano

Aya Takano is a contemporary Japanese artist who was born on October 22, 1976, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She is known for her distinctive style of creating fantastical, otherworldly landscapes inhabited by her signature doe-eyed female figures.

Takano graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1999, where she studied oil painting. She first gained recognition for her artwork as a member of the Superflat movement, a postmodern art movement that was founded by Takashi Murakami.

Takano's artwork often explores themes of science fiction, technology, and the human condition. Her paintings often depict surreal, dream-like landscapes, filled with intricate details and vibrant colors. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, and the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo.

In addition to her painting, Takano is also a prolific writer and illustrator. She has published several books, including a collection of short stories, titled "Nana-iro no Kaze" (Seven-Colored Wind), and a graphic novel, "The Sky Crawlers," which was adapted into an anime film by director Mamoru Oshii.

Takano's work has been influential in the world of contemporary art, and her unique style continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.