Acrylic on canvas

104 × 141.6 cm. 41 × 55 3/4 in.

Signed in English and dated on middle right
Provenance
Private Collection, Asia

Contemporary Myth of the Dominant Gender:
Takeru Amano's Goddess with Bean Eyes

Takeru Amano, a renowned Japanese artist, is acclaimed in the contemporary art scene for his elegant depictions of female beauty characterized by clean lines. Since 2013, he has been creating works inspired by ancient Greek mythology. Employing a fresh approach with a touch of Japanese manga's "flat style," Amano uses concise and vivid lines, along with flat colour blocks, to seamlessly portray the seemingly distant figures of Greek mythology in a way that resonates with modern viewers. His distinctive take on traditional goddesses has made them a popular subject in his artwork. In recent years, his works have been exhibited in Paris, Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Shanghai, and other locations, garnering admiration from collectors worldwide. The piece up for auction, Artemis and Actaeon, is one of his outstanding classics.

Honouring Tradition, Defying Convention

In Ancient Greek Mythology, Artemis was the goddess symbolizing purity, and Actaeon was a hunter punished for accidentally witnessing her bathing on Mount Cithaeron. Despite the tragic nature of the story, the artist provides his interpretation with vibrant colours and a manga-inspired style. The goddess Artemis, presented with the artist's signature bean-shaped eyes, gazes leisurely at the viewer. Actaeon, transformed into a submissive stag, sits meekly at Artemis's chest. The "feminine" Artemis, admirably scrutinizes the male Actaeon in a dominator's perspective. The artist skillfully interprets contemporary gender issues, creating a "contemporary myth" that captures the subtle reversal of roles in today's society. It's a masterful portrayal that speaks volumes about the current dynamics of gender relationships.

Price estimate:
HKD: 90,000 – 150,000
USD: 11,500 - 19,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 108,000