'Venus and Butterflies' by Takeru Amano

Takeru (b.1977) is a Japanese artist, living and working in Tokyo Japan. Takeru moved to New York City in 1997 where he studied engraving for three years before returning to settle in Tokyo.

Takeru mixes real-life influences into his manga-esque paintings and sculptures. He uses a vibrant, neon colour palette to create images of the female nude. His work winks at the histories of portraiture and still life.

“I often take inspiration from the things around me. This time I wanted to express the feeling of spring. Bears awaking, butterflies flying, new born kittens. Swans flying the to north. I dropped it on the canvas with a bright colour. Let’s celebrate spring, as spring comes every year.”