Last week, Heaven Is Inside Of You opened up at the Hong Kong branch of Galerie Perrotin featuring all new works from Japanese sensation Aya Takano. The new series of paintings and drawings feature colorful dreamscapes surrounding her androgynous characters, some of which show them exploring different countries. The current output on display from the Kaikai Kiki disciple was influenced by her experiences after the catastrophic earthquake and resulting disasters in Japan.  She states: “Until I experienced the earthquake, I was living a life that was fairly pleasant. Painting, too, was something that I could pursue according to my own sensibilities, in a way that made me feel comfortable. Ever since, however, I feel as if I have been forced to make some changes at a very fundamental level – that I somehow have an obligation to confront my practice with a strong urge to create more paintings.” More photos from the show below…

All artwork © 2012 Aya Takano/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Layla Kawashima for Arrested Motion.
Courtesy Galerie Perrotin, Hong Kong & Paris. Discuss this show here. Discuss Aya Takano here.