Ayumi Tanaka Information

Artist
Chicago, IL

Biography:
Ayumi Tanaka was born and raised in Japan's Takarazuka City 宝塚市, hometown of Osamu Tezuka, the god of manga. Her enthusiasm for the manga art form is matched only by her reverence of it. Since a very young age, Ayumi has dedicated herself to researching all forms, erotic or otherwise, of manga-related art. This research includes honing her draftsmanship skills to the point where she's able to competently imitate many well-known manga styles of drawing. She came to the United States with the hope that she'd gain a better understanding of her own culture by viewing it through a foreign lens.
Ayumi attended Chicago's Columbia College and Depaul University, where she studied the craft of multimedia arts, filmmaking and animation. Her avant-garde student films earned her a chance to direct music videos for such artists as ex-ALLiSTER (Universal Japan). These opportunities allowed her glimpses and eventual entry into international underground art scenes. Ayumi branched out into painting, eventually melding her drawing talents with pop-art inspired artworks.
For years, Ayumi's work was rejected by dozens of international galleries. Between 2009-2011, Ayumi was invited to participate in several small multi-artist exhibitions throughout Osaka and Tokyo. In 2012, Ayumi made her American debut with her solo exhibition "Tentacle Darling" at the B1E Gallery. In 2013, Ayumi was invited to produce a second solo-show at Chicago's historic Japanese Culture Center entitled "Nasty Geisha."
Timeout Chicago listed her as a "...dangerous...degenerate Lichtenstein."
Her personal artist philosophy is as follows: "Much of my current work is based on or references images found in hentai art. This is the language I use to express myself about the world around me. Ero-pop art is my way of turning disposable trash into meaningful treasure that can sneak into even the most prestigious fine art galleries."