As a dazzling new generation artist in the art world, Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda’s works can often be seen at international auctions and exhibitions. Her works depict a world where cuteness and horror coexist in candy colors, with the main characters often being innocent and colorful children. However, behind the bright themes, there is a hint of melancholy and darkness. Currently, the New York gallery Corey Helford Gallery is hosting a solo exhibition for Hikari Shimoda titled “Fight to Live in the Void,” showcasing 25 of her latest paintings.
The children’s portraits under Hikari Shimoda’s pen are filled with countless possibilities. The artist describes them as “fantasy meets reality in a world yet to be reborn, where the past meets the future, and life meets death.” Growing up, she read many Japanese comics and was inspired by them, so those children often wear hero costumes, similar to the famous superheroes and magical characters found in the anime genre.
The style focuses more on the use of magic by young children, and the artist hopes to reveal contemporary social issues and struggles in a gentle way through these magical childlike images. Through the juxtaposition of brushstrokes, text, and collages, Shitada Hikari turns her commentary on modern society into reality. Her characters also explore our complex relationship with the “savior,” covering everything from deities to our fascination with fantasy heroes.
For the artist, she feels that these characters can transcend the realm of children and be for anyone. She said, “Those empty children can be ‘the cup of my emotions’ – I can pour out my emotions. Their shining eyes gaze into space, reflecting both light and darkness, and those roles are silent metaphors of emotions, such as anger and despair, which are actually people’s feelings towards injustice or unreasonable things in this world.”
Looking at these children characters, the audience may wonder: Is the dream behind just a bubble, does that utopia in the mind really exist?
Hikari Shimoda: Fight to Live in the Void
Date: From now until July 30
Location: 571 S Anderson St, LA
Image source and learn more: Corey Helford Gallery
