come from book: Phaidon Editors. Great Women Painters
1: Eguchi Ayane
Ayane Eguchi, born in Hokkaido in 1985, is a Japanese oil painter recognized both nationally and internationally for her unique artistic style. Her work explores the duality of the world, mixing elements of fantasy and reality, life and death to create visual experiences that are both beautiful and disturbing. Eguchi completed her MFA in Oil Painting at Kanazawa University of Arts and Crafts and has exhibited her artwork extensively through solo and group exhibitions, such as “Ode to Wonderland” at Mizuma Gallery in Singapore, as well as multiple exhibitions in Tokyo.
Her paintings are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details, and through this visual language, Eguchi presents the viewer with a world of contrasts and contradictions. This world is superficially playful and colorful, but a deeper look reveals deeper and sometimes disturbing themes. Eguchi’s works often revolve around the character of ‘KUMA’, symbolizing the fragility and diversity of existence, and expressing a profound reflection on the nature of life.
Through her art, Ayane Eguchi invites the viewer to enter the complex world she has constructed, which encompasses the sweetness and bitterness of life. Her works are not only a quest for beauty, but also an exploration of life, death and human emotions, presenting a world that is both paradise and hell. Through these works, Eguchi demonstrates her unique understanding and deep insights into existence, making her a voice to be reckoned with in the contemporary art world.
2：Rachel Ruysch
Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750) was an exceptional Dutch still-life painter, renowned for her intricate and vibrant depictions of flowers. Born into a family where art met science—her father was a notable scientist and her grandfather an important architect—Ruysch was exposed to a world of natural specimens from a young age. This upbringing deeply influenced her artistic direction, leading her to blend scientific precision with artistic flair in her work. Apprenticed at fifteen to Willem van Aelst, a prominent flower painter, she quickly developed a distinctive style characterized by asymmetric arrangements, meticulous detail, and a dynamic sense of life. Her works often featured flowers in transparent glass containers, highlighting her scientific approach to art. Ruysch achieved significant fame during her lifetime, serving as a court painter and being celebrated by poets and patrons alike. Her legacy endures through her contributions to the rococo movement and her unique ability to capture the essence of natural beauty with an almost photographic realism.
https://artherstory.net/rachel-ruysch-1664-1750-a-birthday-post
https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/our-collection/our-masters/rachel-ruysch
SHUWEN 