I recently walked into the 5,000-foot space that is home to the CHG Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. To my surprise, they are featuring Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda.
Inspired by her Japanese manga and anime roots, Shimoda uses vibrant and illustrative techniques to tackle modern-day issues. Starry-eyed children donned in superhero costumes embody a commeI recently visited the CHG Gallery in downtown Los Angeles, which spans over 5,000 feet. To my surprise, they are currently showcasing the works of Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda. Shimoda draws inspiration from her Japanese manga and anime roots and employs vibrant and illustrative techniques to address modern-day issues. Her artwork features starry-eyed children wearing superhero costumes, which symbolize societal struggles, Christian symbolism, and fantasy hero archetypes. This amalgamation of styles and themes mirrors our adult instinct to protect and nurture the innocence of the world we have created.
Shimoda’s art is constantly evolving with each new piece, as she strives to achieve salvation and a profound understanding of the chaotic world around her. The CHG Gallery has become a cornerstone for New Contemporary art since its move downtown, thanks to Jan Corey Helford and her husband Bruce Helford, who have unconditionally supported and established artists, showcased their works, and fostered the growth of contemporary art.
I particularly enjoyed the colorful paintings in Shimoda’s exhibition titled “Questions for Living in the World.” Though they are just paintings, the faces in them grow on you, and the details and meanings behind them take hold of you. This is what true art should be.ntary on societal struggles, mirroring Christian symbolism and fantasy hero archetypes. This artistic fusion reflects our innate adult instinct to protect and nurture the innocence of the world we’ve constructed.
In her pursuit of salvation and a profound understanding of the chaotic world, Shimoda’s art evolves with each piece.
Since moving to the downtown, Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) has become a cornerstone for New Contemporary art. Jan Corey Helford and her husband Bruce Helford passed, unconditionally supporting and establishing artists, showcasing their work, and fostering the growth of the contemporary art scene.
I enjoy the colorful paintings in this exhibition called “Questions for living in the world.” They may be paintings, but the faces grow on you, and the details and their meanings take hold of you. That is what art should be.
