pikabow 2017

Camilla d'Errico made this sweetie, Pikabow, sometime in the 20th or 21st century, and right away I notice how the artist uses these soft, blended marks. It’s like watching a cartoon character slowly come to life, one careful stroke at a time, that's artmaking as process. The way d'Errico handles the paint, building up layers of color, gives the whole thing a dreamy, almost otherworldly feel. The pink cheeks and rainbow stripes on the ears and tail pop against the buttery yellow of Pikachu's fur, creating a real sense of depth and volume. The blue and white background is a trip, like swirls of energy. Look at the way the artist blends the colors so seamlessly, but then leaves these little visible brushstrokes that make you feel like you’re seeing the painting come together right before your eyes. It reminds me of Yoshitomo Nara, whose work shares the similar pop art aesthetic, but with a softer touch. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is always in conversation, borrowing and building upon the ideas of those who came before.