Hikari Shimoda's Manga-Inspired Paintings at Dorothy Circus Gallery in Rome

Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda (born 1984 in Nagano) presents new works at Dorothy Circus Gallery in Rome in a dual exhibition with Italian artist Millo. Shimoda's manga-influenced figurative paintings explore the duality of human nature, combining vibrant colors with melancholic star-eyed child characters that symbolize societal solitude, anxiety, and the hope for happiness. The artist studied illustration at Kyoto Saga University of Art and later at Tatsumi Art University, developing her style through conceptual approaches and technology. She creates works that serve as mirrors for viewers, intentionally keeping her child subjects ambiguous in identity and gender to foster universal empathy. All exhibited pieces were created specifically for this show, reflecting her ongoing experimentation with new styles and techniques. The exhibition creates a dialogue between Shimoda's colorful palette and Millo's monochrome aesthetic. Shimoda expresses interest in Western culture's openness to new values and notes the growing influence of street artists like Banksy in Japan. Her recent research explores the playful side of painting and Pop Art concepts, following her earlier show 'Can Pop Art Show the Way to Nirvana?' in Hong Kong. The interview was conducted by Giuseppe Amedeo Arnesano for Artribune.