Today I want to post some pictures by an artist whose work has long captivated and inspired me. Tadahiro Uesugi. To say his work is beautiful would seem to not quite do it justice.
Uesugi uses simple shapes and understated lines to create quiet works of simple beauty. While his portfolio features all sorts of depictions and focus, his most common subject matter is typically a young, attractive woman, usually both fashionable and independent.
While these compositions feature very simple and minimalistic backgrounds, the environment around the woman is treated with just as much importance as she herself, and while his subjects typically stand alone, they by no means seem lonely. It's as if the world itself is her companion.
The compositions are romantic, sensual, and luminescent. They are both curvy and geometrically angular. The audience is invited into what seems like the private lives of these women, and yet we are still left to guess at each of their stories. There is a mystery that the viewer yearns to unravel.
These sophisticated women do not look us in the eye. They are far too busy navigating minimalist worlds of imprecise pattern and geometry. They invite us to look upon them, but never look back to see if we actually are.
While these pictures retain the sensibility of mid-twentieth century gouache illustrations, Uesugi maintains that most of his work is produced digitally. It should be noted that it takes a great deal of skill to produce work digitally that has the same life and vibrant radiance as a work painted with traditional medium.
You can see more of his work at his website: http://tadahirouesugi.com/
Also, you may want to check out one of his books.. I personally own 3 Trees Make a Forest. It features works by Uesugi, as well as the ultra talented Enrico Casarosa, and Ronnie DelCarmen.
While these pictures retain the sensibility of mid-twentieth century gouache illustrations, Uesugi maintains that most of his work is produced digitally. It should be noted that it takes a great deal of skill to produce work digitally that has the same life and vibrant radiance as a work painted with traditional medium.
You can see more of his work at his website: http://tadahirouesugi.com/
Also, you may want to check out one of his books.. I personally own 3 Trees Make a Forest. It features works by Uesugi, as well as the ultra talented Enrico Casarosa, and Ronnie DelCarmen.