TOTEMO proudly highlights Kuua, a rising Japanese star in the art world known for her distinctive and quirky worldview. With over 100,000 Instagram followers captivated by her unique blend of dark manga aesthetics and vibrant fashion influences, Kuua is making waves both in Japan and internationally.
Kuua's art explores the duality of beauty and darkness, often juxtaposing delicate imagery—like girls dressed in lace and pink—with chilling motifs such as bloodied objects or disturbing expressions. Inspired by British illustrator Trevor Brown and horror films, Kuua's works are a reflection of human complexity, often created during moments of personal sadness. Her art has become a powerful symbol of female identity, offering a lens into modern millennial expression in Japan.
- One of her standout projects is Asleep in Harajuku, a striking mural that has been transformed into an NFT and a merch design. This piece embodies her signature style and has become a hallmark of her work.
- This month, Kuua hosted a pop-up show at the YONE MART shop in Tokyo, in collaboration with renowned photographer Yone (Yasumasa Yonehara), further bridging art, graffiti and fashion in an immersive experience.
Art and Fashion: Kuua's Unique Perspective
Kuua’s journey into fashion illustration began as a way to depict clothing she dreamt of wearing but couldn’t afford or find in reality. This evolved into creating detailed illustrations of imaginative outfits that reflect her ideal world. For Kuua, drawing is not only a form of artistic expression but also a means of self-discovery and identity creation.
When asked about the recurring theme of girls in her work, Kuua explains that being a woman offers additional tools, such as makeup and fashion, to fully express her identity. Her art resonates with audiences as a testament to individuality and self-empowerment.
Explore Kuua’s captivating art and collaborations on TOTEMO to experience her unparalleled ability to turn the everyday into something extraordinary.
