A lot of cultures blend seamlessly. For instance, American and Canadian cultures are surprisingly similar. Moreover, the formation of the EU in 1993 expedited the flow of ideas across the continent. However, it's hard to imagine many crossovers or collaborations occurring between Japan and Mexico.

Neverthless, artist Anri Okada represents just that. The young Japanese painter spent several years studying art in Mexico and imbuing her style with the magic realism famous throughout Latin America. Okada will soon have 33 paintings on display at the Pola Museum of Art in Kanagawa prefecture in a new exhibition titled “Soñar dentro de la tierra,” “Dreaming in the soil." The exhibit gets its name from one of Okada's hallmark pieces which is featured in the header image above. The exhibit will run from Saturday, April 17th, to Sunday, September 5th.

Bold and vivid

As you can see, Okada uses bold and vivid colors in her paintings to blend elements of reality and fantasy. There are also hints of modern and aboriginal themes woven throughout her work. Indeed, the artist developed her surreal and introspective style while submerged in the beautiful landscapes and ancient culture of Mexico as well as Guatemala.

Through her artistic expression, Okada also focuses her pieces on the interplay between humans and the environment and the relationship between nature and life. On the other hand, Okada has vast experience in painting murals, and it shows. The main piece of the exhibition is 10-meter wide x 3-meter high. The mural is comprised of 33 smaller canvases that are 75 cm x 75 cm. Other pieces and 3D exhibits will also be on display.

The artist is active on Instagram where followers can find more surreal content by Okada as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her nomadic and creative lifestyle.

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Interested parties in the exhibition should also visit Okada's website to further explore her paintings, murals, and sculptures. Enjoy!