#chikatakei

Chika Takei’s art does not flatter. Her art is characterized by light-colored surface painted with acrylic gouache as well as motifs meticulously crafted with lines that are neither too thin nor too thick. These simple features all speak to its viewer with utmost sincerity. At the same time, the art breathes out an air of tranquility that soothes those that happen to cross its path. It does so without being invasive or passively aggressive. Yet, it affirms its own existence with a tangy elegance that keeps one coming back for more. It is this sophisticated blend of reactions that makes Chika Takei unique.

The artist’s raison d'etre deserves some mention. Takei’s art doesn’t deliberately try to grab attention. The use of watery and flowery lines creates an organic vibrancy and a slight eeriness that coexist harmoniously to stir up a cocktail of emotions. These expressions conjure a gradual flow of joy, accompanied by a gentle smile between the viewer’s cheeks. In an interview, Takei told us that her mission as an artist is “to make people smile”. Yet, despite such deliberate motivation on Takei’s part, the art itself remains unassuming. It doesn’t pull tricks to make one laugh, nor does it put on a façade to please. It exists as it is. No tricks, no lies. Its sheer elegance brings happiness to the onlooker.

In a way, Takei’s art embodies modesty. Extremes are easy to spell out on canvas. An artist could simply resort to gaudiness, eerier expressions or more hysterical representation of happiness. Yet, Takei intentionally refrains from relying on such extremes—she lives by her artistic ideal of “not overdoing but being subtle, mildly fragrant and subtly present”. This is only possible when the artist controls her desire to stand out. Takei values patience, savoring every stroke of the brush. Modesty is her way. Less is more. That is Chika Takei’s philosophy as an artist.

Uru Uru by Chika Takei Message to the viewer: I love to see people smile.