Takano is a leading artist of Takashi Murakami's Superflat Movement - a postmodern art movement that draws primarily from Japanese manga and anime. A manga artist, illustrator, and science fiction essayist in her own right, Takano creates many fantastical worlds beyond the canvas.

Painting images of women, or rather young kawaii women, Aya Takano not only shows how deeply rooted Japan's culture is in animated literature, manga and fantasy but also the psychological need people have for a fantastical escape. The figures in Aya's ouevre all pay tribute to the imaginative mind of Takano and the audience.

Takano sees the city at night as a place of high-spirited adventure, fantasy and escape and depicts that fleeting moment when the distinction between innocence and youth are purposefully blurred. It is a refreshing vision, an escape from our daily sight of skyscrapers, offices and computers and reminds us of a life beyond our daily existence. Takano removes the viewer from the monotonous life of work. They also remind the viewer that Takano and Japanese youth manage to meld reality and fantasy.

Takano's work often evokes happiness and a sense of optimism. It is not dark or overtly sensuous but mysterious and deep. Whimsical in both colour and subject matter, she is embraced in Japan and internationally for these delicate reflections on our reality and dreams.