Akemi Takada: the fascinating fantasy path
Curated by Edoardo Serino and Giorgia Vecchini
Akemi Takada is one of the most inspiring Japanese illustrators and character designers of her generation. Her recognizable style defined the 80s and 90s aesthetic, bringing to life a plethora of memorable female characters, depicted with gentle, smooth, as well as charming traits, a remarkable fashion that has always been part of her personal style. Her extraordinary skill of creating harmonious, real and visual-outstanding characters, allowed her to stand out in an extremely competitive environment. The 80s are her most flourishing period, thanks to the fruitful collaboration with the Pierrot Studio, working on iconic series, such as Lum, the invader girl, Creamy Mami, Allen Rose, Kimagure Orange Road, Maison Ikkoku, and then Patlabor for Sunrise, reshaping her way to depict anime heroines, influencing generations of artists and enthusiasts. The exhibition dedicated to Akemi Takada, held in Lucca for the first time ever, will be combined with a further displaying area rich in Japanese vintage merchandise. The goal is to underline Akemi Takada contribute to the following three works: Creamy Mami, Orange Road and Patlabor. We wants to value these works of art with items designed directly by the Japanese Sensei, such as Laser Disc, LP and 45 records, VHD, CD and DVD covers as well as posters, art books, cel and douga (original anime celluloids and sketches), settei with preparatory drawings and characters studies, shitajiki (underlay), shikishi (rectangular or squared cardboard shapes, traditionally used as a calligraphy or painting support) and much more.
