risa taoka
PRIVATE UTOPIA
For me, who struggled to fit in with my hometown, Atami was a paradise where I could spread my wings. By kneading clay and mixing it with paint, I create layers upon layers, resembling strata, to express my inner landscape. In this piece, I painted Atami in a large scale, the place I have observed for years, layering memories that have grown vague over time, recollections that have burned more vividly in my mind than in reality, and the emotions I feel now. At first glance, some elements may not appear to resemble Atami’s scenery. However, all of these components, including those that seem unfamiliar, contribute to the allure of Atami—my personal utopia.
Born in Kanagawa prefecture in 1990, taoka spent much of her childhood in Atami. After graduating from Musashino Art University with BA in design foudations, she worked at an advertising company. She started her career as an artist in 2020 while working as an art director. taoka currently focuses on creating accessories and three-dimensional works. Her organic forms and colours depicting internal landscape have been inspired by childhood dreams. Rakuten fashion week TOKYO 2020 participant.
