Kathy Aoki: The Cult of the Cute

  • Kathy Aoki, Right on Schedule, 2002. Linoleum cut with watercolor, 14 x 15 inches.

    Inspired by Japanese anime, Kathy Aoki creates an alternate universe populated by female construction workers and teddy bears. These perky cartoon characters, with oversize heads and large round eyes, are at a worksite filled with familiar equipment ornamented in unfamiliar ways. Trucks and cranes roll by emblazoned with flowers and hearts and colored bubblegum pink or baby blue. Through the uncommon combination of cuteness and construction Aoki explores gender stereotypes and their related expectations.

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