AIKO "American Dream, Spring"

American Dream, Spring

A Maiko (apprentice geisha) from Kyoto that is deep in thought is depicted
with a paper umbrella. The girl is covered in Japanese traditional beauty
from head to toe: Japanese coiffure, a Hana kanzashi (flower featured
hair pin), a colorful Furisode (long-sleeved kimono), and a long draping
sash. In order to master traditional performing arts, she is hustling every
day, taking dance lessons and learning how to play Shamisen
(Japanese musical instrument). Her ambition is to be a professional dancer,
and to perform in New York City. She is chasing the "American dream" to
stand on the big stage one day.

A collaboration piece by AIKO and The Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, which carries over traditional and highly technical Japanese woodcut techniques to present-day.
Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art Collection 2018