“Ephemeral Sakura”
There’s something deeply comforting about the fantastical paintings of aica, a Japanese artist now based in New York City. With their whimsical, childlike characters and surreal, candy-colored landscapes, her works transport viewers into dreamlike worlds brimming with magic.
Aica draws inspiration from Japanese anime, manga, and traditional ukiyo-e. Though she has lived in New York for several years, she feels more connected to her Japanese roots than ever before. “Lately, I find myself painting scenes set in Japan—drawn to its quiet beauty and spirit. The strongest influence from Japanese culture on my art is the belief that everything has a soul,” she tells My Modern Met. “My practice reflects this distinctly Japanese sensibility—that even lifeless things carry spirit.”
In many of aica’s paintings, animal companions appear as gentle spirit guides, leading her subjects through ethereal, spiritually charged worlds. In one work, titled Moon Child, a determined figure rides through the night sky on the back of an owl–dragon–like creature. In another painting, From Our Shadows, a girl mourns the loss of her cat as tiny spirit felines drift among the stars.
“My inspiration often comes when I long to see someone I can no longer meet, or when I wish to stay immersed in precious memories that remain in my heart—moments with loved ones, my cats who have passed, and the gentle happiness found in everyday life with those who are still by my side,” aica shares. “When I paint, I revisit those feelings again and again, and I feel their presence beside me, as if they quietly return through the colors and light.”
Aica hopes that her artworks will inspire hope and connection. “Through my paintings, I express empathy for what cannot be seen but deeply felt—emotions, memories, and the presence of those we miss,” she explains. “I hope my works offer a moment of calm and awaken a gentle spark of imagination within the heart, inspiring others to begin loving someone or something around them.”
Aica’s stunning paintings are currently on view at Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles through November 15, 2025, as part of her solo exhibition, Where Petals Dance. Check out some of her works below.
Japanese artist aica creates whimsical paintings that transport viewers into dreamlike worlds brimming with magic.
“Moon Child”
She draws inspiration from Japanese anime, manga, and traditional ukiyo-e.
“Samurai Helmets Are for Bunnies Now”
In many of aica’s paintings, animal companions appear as gentle spirit guides, leading her subjects through ethereal, spiritually charged worlds.
“From Our Shadows”
“Still Holding the Caterpillar”
“Samurai Helmets Are for Birdies Now”
“Samurai Helmets Are for Butterflies Now”
“An Umbrella for Two”
“In the Magic of Seeing the Unseen”
“Koinobori: Carp’s Ascent”
“Always With You”
“Our Secret Zen Garden”
“The Green Apple Within”
“Sun Child”
“Robot Vending Machine”
“Blooming From Tears”
“Our Tears in Nocturne”
“Her Data, Our Soul”