In the tradition of other Compound Gallery shows, four exciting artists from Japan will be introduced to the city of Portland. Sayaka, Micca, Yuka Yamaguchi and Makiko Sugawa do not create images of the stereotypical Japanese female. Their girls have a secret. Behind closed doors they play exotic and wonderful games. Sayaka's girls explore a newly discovered adult world in a soft wash of color. Micca demonstrates the minimal nature in which her girls play with fashion. Yuka's girls want to learn what makes girls tick on the inside. Makiko's girls enjoy a private life filled with delicate hidden pleasures. This show is sponsored by Scion.

For more information about this topic, please call Katsu Tanaka at (503)796-2733 or e-mail at info@compoundgallery.com

Born in 1982, Sayaka's art depicts the secret and sometimes erotic world of play amongst girls. Each piece is a glimpse through the key hole of her bedroom door. When she was a student, she completed the book "Koin no shijuuhakkei" (The forty eight beauty spots of love). She currently works as an illustrator for books and magazines.

Makiko Sugawa was born in 1974. She graduated from the Kyoto college of art and design. Her work depicts female fantasy and sexuality from the female perspective. Each female figure is illustrated in simple lines. These lines highlight the intricate detail of each figures lingerie. She recently won the Takashima-ya Christmas illustration award. Her past solo shows include New Feminine in 2000, Ladies Time in 2001 and Lace Queen in 2006. Makiko's first book, Lace Queen was recently published.

View her available art work

Micca was born in Mie prefecture, Japan in 1976. She graduated from Kyoto Seika University of Art and Craft in 1998. Her illustration work on book covers and magazines is widely recognized. Her illustration credits include the cover for Ryu Murakami's novel "Bad Girls". She is currently working on CD covers and collaborations with street fashion brands. She is a member of artist agency Deam and More in Osaka.