Hiyoko Imai

August 18, 2010 - By Danica van de Velde - Category: Illustration

Using tiny fragments of delicate paper, Hiyoko Imai constructs dainty and intricate illustrative works. The Japanese-born, Amsterdam-based designer and illustrator follows a minimalist style, employing simple shapes to create new compositions. The look reminds me a little bit of collage, but is far more sophisticated in execution. You can also see the subtle influence of her list of inspirations – cooking, balcony gardening, walking and dreaming – in her soft colour palette and impressionistic designs, and the gentle and serene aesthetic that some Japanese artists are so brilliant at harnessing is definitely present in her work. I find it really refreshing to see a contemporary illustrator eschew computer-generated effects to focus on creating art with her hands.

Danica