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Awe Inspiring Artists | Day 11 of 11: Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami (村上隆) has been influential in my work since high school. His sculptures have sold into the millions and his paintings are just as valuable. Ever since Murakami started his career his artwork has been consistently exhibited seemingly every year somewhere around the world whether its in New York, Japan, or Paris. He has an extremely successful commercial career with renowned fashion designer, Marc Jacobs and consequently with the French fashion house, Louis Vuitton. Murakami is known for his superflat style of which many of his paintings are

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day 1o of 11: Joji Kojima

We're nearing towards the end of Novure Youth's first blog series "Awe Inspiring Artists" as we roll out the tenth artist. This time it's about Joji Kojima, a Japanese artist who began his jewelry craft at the age of 15. He studied in a number of fields including graphic design and photography, but we can clearly see his strength lies in his original jewelry designs. These visually striking pieces have been worn by Lady Gaga. And with her help, Kojima's work has gained international attention. All images are sourced from Joji Kojima's official website.

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day o9 of 11: Máximo Riera

Máximo Riera is a multidisciplinary artist having been a photographer, painter, and sculptor. His recent work, The Animal Chair collection, merges animal form with industrial design. Each piece realistically reflects the beauty of the animal unmarred by its attachment to a luxury piece of furniture. The collection is still currently under works with "Lion", "Beetle", and "Whale" coming soon. In addition, Riera has retired but continues to pursue the arts. He also donates the proceeds from his work to charity. All images are sourced from his official site.

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day o8 of 11: Kris Kuksi

Kris Kuksi is a master craftsman of sculpting rich detail in classical and baroque style mixed with his own dark aesthetic. His works are a mixture of anatomically realistic figures and the macabre, a result of his childhood growing up. Kuksi's work emits a compelling sense eeriness and epic storytelling of humanity. Every piece is exquisitely mesmerizing with an extensive number of parts banded together. His work appears to be consistently exhibited and are also owned by various prolific people like Guillermo del Toro. Kuksi's other talents also include paint

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day o7 of 11: Aya Takano

You would naturally discover Aya Takano's (タカノ綾) work through Takashi Murakami (村上隆), Japan's best known top artist. Aya Takano's works are adoringly sensual and full of youth. Takano's handling of their softly reddened forms and large eyes distinguish her style from others and makes it largely memorable. A part of Murakami's Kaikai Kiki group, her style is also reflective of the Superflat movement started by Murakami. Takano provides a secondary feminine view into the otaku culture of Japan. While many of her figures are often depicted nude, they

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day o6 of 11: Kwon Kyung-yup

Let's take a break from Ryohei Hase's intense paintings and have a look at Kwon Kyung-yup (권경엽), an oil painter from Seoul, South Korea. Her paintings often depict deeply injured individuals but without scars or blood. The pristine figures almost appear impervious to the trauma they have been dealt. The paintings provide a soothing aura of calmness due to her gentle handling of value and colors. No matter how great each person's loss, they all appear to be thrown in the more forgiving path: set to emerge just fine. In an era of over-hyped depictions of ex

Awe Inspiring Artists | Day o5 of 11: Ryohei Hase

Is it just me or is the awesomeness of these artists just getting awesome-er in the series? Ryohei Hase is a man to remember and he definitely deserves more attention. His works are absolutely, incredibly beautiful. Look at that meticulous detail! He is a digital artist of great skill yet his paintings look almost traditional. His chaotic paintings are so full of oomf and have so many things going on at once that one can stare for hours. Such a precious artist. My favorite series has to be "Repetition" which includes pieces like "The last thing we do" and "Meaningl