Takano Aya-hot Banana Fudge Paperback – December 1, 2000

I am a huge fan of Aya Takano and this book basically displays many works by her, I bring it with me whenever I go on plane trips and could spend the entire ride looking at this book.

Aya Takano is part of Takashi Murakami's "Hiropon Factory" ground zero for the new "Superflat" style, coined by Murakami. Superflat is basically Pop art which uses Japanese pop culture imagery. More broadly it encompasses tradtional Asian compositions and subject matter, science fiction, anime, and manga. Murakami has written a couple books outlining the manifesto of the movement which explain it better than I can. In my opinion, Takano has surpassed her patron in that she continues to play on pop culture without losing luscious texture and subtly satirical subjects captured in Roald Dahl contours and fantasy. Takano's work is a rollercoater ride of juicy color, fluid figure drawing and delicate sci-fi twists, worth every penny!

I had seen this book a few years ago, but unfortunately did not buy it at that time. I recently found it on a Japanese website, and snatched it up (2 days after posting, it was sold out). Aya Takano is one of the best female "Superflat" artists. Unlike her male counterparts, she uses a more feminine approach in her art. Comparing her to Murakami and others is futile; she lends a unique aspect to superflat art, and this book is definitely one of the best.