Misa Tsuchiya (JP)
Japanese artist Misa Tsuchiya’s main characters are animals, drawn in mostly bright, non realistic colors and elaborate patterns.
Their powerful bodies are posed in a way that makes them seem ready to attack, or at least on guard. However, they appear to be doing so in a more playful, maybe even mocking, way instead of a threatening one. Still, they have a powerful stance. The animals are engaging with the viewer, allowing him to come close and take a look at them, if somewhat reluctantly.
Tsuchiya’s woodcut prints have very strong color identities, with the animals always identified by a black line. The background is defined by pattern, again in bold colors contrasting the animals. The ornamentation behind Tsuchiya’s bulls brings to mind textiles woven by hand and gives the pieces an intricate, carefully crafted look.
Misa Tsuchiya (JP)
This may be considered a nod towards traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Animals in general have been a large part of art history and more specifically Southeast Asian art, representing power and affluence. Tsuchiya is building on this tradition, giving it a more contemporary, almost playful twist.
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