* All images used with permission. Please do not distribute without first contacting the artist.
The themes in Audrey Kawasaki’s work are contradictions within themselves. Her work is both innocent and erotic. Each subject is attractive yet disturbing. Audrey’s precise technical style is at once influenced by both manga comics and Art Nouveau. Her sharp graphic imagery is combined with the natural grain of the wood panels she paints on, bringing an unexpected warmth to enigmatic subject matter.
The figures she paints are seductive and contain an air of melancholy. They exist in their own sensually esoteric realm, yet at the same time present a sense of accessibility that draws the observer to them. These mysterious young women captivate with the direct stare of their bedroom eyes.
"I have followed Kawasaki’s work for 8 years through her blog. Not only is she prolific, but the thing that impresses me the most is the ability she has to constantly keep her work fresh and cutting-edge. Her paintings never grow tired. She is always evolving as an artist, but her impeccable execution and authenticity remain. In my opinion, this is the sign of a true master."
"I remember first being exposed to Audrey's work by our friend Blaine Fontana who gave us the postcard to her debut solo show in Long Beach at a lil' clothing boutique called Black Market. Blaine was showing that night at Black Market's LA location in his debut LA solo show and we purchased a piece that night and took him up on his recommendation as we really liked the piece profiled on the showcard. We went down the following weekend to the exhibit and picked up our first piece from Audrey and were lucky enough to meet her and her mother that evening and we've been building our relationship ever since. We featured her work in our first group show back in 2005 and have had the pleasure of watching her work and fanbase grow continually over the past 8 years. Her work is the perfect marriage of design and traditional portraiture and we're so thrilled to see her getting the kudos she so rightfully deserves from press and larger collectors the world over."
"I remember when I first saw Audrey’s work as a teenager, it was one of those times when you audibly say ‘wow’. Her airy handling of oils almost makes you mistake the medium for watercolor. Audrey’s enigmatic figures have so much dimension, they seem to convey a sense of mystery, sensuality, and melancholy through their gaze."
"Audrey will always be one of my favorite modern day artists. Her art nouveau-inspired paintings are filled with beautiful heroines who have both a sense of fragility and strength."
"She is an icon, don't have to say anymore"
