Ito Chieko
Blending traditional Japanese materials and techniques alongside contemporary elements, Ito Chieko’s works frequently feature female figures, with a focus on their expressions.
Iko draws inspiration from traditional Japanese designs, kimono patterns and hairstyles:
“Since I was a child, I have always depicted women in my work, and even now, there’s no other motif I want to depict. Since I was a teenager, I’ve been interested in uniquely Japanese designs, like those for kimono or nihongami (traditional women’s hairstyles). When I entered university, I had the opportunity to live in Ancient Kyoto – from that point on, I loved traditional Japanese things even more. For me, there’s a special charm to colour schemes involving combinations of hues with intense contrasts. It’s important to me to create something that makes me feel uplifted.”