Aiko Robinson Offers a New Strong Voice in Modern Shunga

The young Japanese/ New Zealand artist Aiko Robinson (1993), living in New Zealand, represents a fascinating new voice in the contemporary shunga realm. Her drawings and prints, in which she uses the same techniques and aesthetic idiom of the traditional Japanese shunga masters of the 19th century, depict faceless coital engagement in a unique way.

‘Untitled‘ (2017), woodblock print on paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

Faceless

As humans our focus is mainly on other humans, so when see an image including a human figure we’re immediately drawn to it. In Robinson’s work the human figures are only shown in fragments and or close-ups of bodies, often hidden under foliage, that leave much to the imagination of the viewer to fill in for themselves.

‘Pillow picture #1‘ (2020), watercolour on paper

‘Provocation’

Robinson’s interest in shunga arose when she sought to counter the criticism of her university teachers that her work was “too safe” and “too cute.” What initially started as a ‘provocation’ caught fire and shunga became a passion. She admires how traditional shunga echos the consent and glorification of sex in Shinto culture, how it values love, mutual pleasure and equality.

‘Is love a tender thing? It is too rough‘ by Aiko Robinson, 2019, Pen and colour pencil drawing on washi paper (Source: pggallery192.co.nz)

Romanticized Visions

Robinson is fascinated by the association of shunga with the season of fertility and new life. She likes to examine how these romanticized visions of the classical shunga artist might compare to dominant ideas concerning pornography in modern society. On her site Robinson explains,’I think that the desire to have sex is not only normal but something wonderful and to celebrate. The curiosity to look at sexual material is human and healthy. When sexual desires and fantasies are repressed it can be damaging to our intimate relating and can lead people to feel frustrated and and perhaps even critical of others. I want to provide a platform for people to talk about sex in a open and positive environment.’

Virtuosity

To achieve this goal she uses her virtuosity and ingenuity, and also the inspiration from the rich history of 250 years of shunga art.

‘Afternoon Delight’ (2017), woodblock print on paper (milfordgalleries.co.nz)

‘Nuts growing in trees‘ (2017), woodblock print on paper (milfordgalleries.co.nz)

‘Love looks not with the eyes‘ (2018), Lithograph (Source: pggallery192.co.nz)

‘Love at first sight‘, by Aiko Robinson, 2019, Pen and colour pencil drawing on washi paper (Source: pggallery192.co.nz)

‘Getting wet‘ (2018), pen and colour pencil drawing on washi paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Losing my mind‘ (2014). woodblock print on paper (Source: milfordgalleries.co.nz/)

‘Head over heels‘ (2014), woodblock print

‘Like a mushroom in a field of pansies‘ (2015), watercolour, ink and coloured pencil on paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Like a lily in a deep valley‘ (2015), watercolour, ink and coloured pencil on paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Like an eagle in flight‘ (2015), watercolour, ink and coloured pencil on paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

Untitled drawing (2019) (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Hidden whispers‘ (2018), copperplate etching and chine colle on washi paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Ecchi etching #2‘ (2018) ​copperplate etching and chine colle on washi paper (Source: aikorobinson.com)

‘Like Mushrooms and Mussels’ (2017), Watercolour, colour pencil and ink

​‘Like a Pussy Cat’ (2017), Watercolour, colour pencil and ink

‘Blissful afternoon‘ (2021)

Click HERE and check out many other fascinating female shunga artists….!!

On the artist’s site you can discover much more of her work…!!

Sources: aikorobinson.com, Andrew Jensen

Let us know your thoughts on Aiko Robinson’s shunga art in the comment box below..!!