Aiko Robinson: Kissing in a Tree
VAULT spoke to Aiko Robinson about why the Japanese art of Shunga has been an ongoing source of creative and cultural inspiration for her practice, and how the ‘naturalness of sex’, as presented in her work, seeks to normalise conversations around the still- taboo topic far beyond the art world.
Image credit: Aiko Robinson, Utamakura #2, 2021 watercolour on paper 10.6 x 50.6 cm. Courtesy Fox Jensen Gallery, Sydney and Auckland; Milford Galleries, Dunedin; PG Gallery 192, Christchurch and Marueido Japan, Tokyo
When written in Japanese, the first character of Aiko Robinson’s first name literally translates to love. It seems fitting that the Perth-based multidisciplinary artist has dedicated the past few years to exploring the ancient Japanese art of Shunga: erotic illustrated scenes capturing couples during moments of sex and intimacy. Robinson’s work strikes a chord with its delicate handling of sexual content through a gentle and humorous lens.
When did you discover Shunga and why did it resonate with you so deeply?
I discovered Shunga when I was in my third year at The University of Auckland. I had been quite stuck on themes for a little while, then I came across this ukiyo-e book with images of Shunga and sex in it. It was incredible to see these erotic scenes weaved into the everyday.
I had seen a lot of work about sex by other female artists, some who celebrate it and some who have a more critical view on it. Since discovering Shunga, my years of research and discovery have led me to a point where I wanted to celebrate sex in my art and take empowerment from it. I feel it’s important we try to normalise conversations around sex. I want my art to encourage people to be more comfortable discussing things that are troubling or concerning about sex, but also to reflect on the joys and pleasures of it too.
How does your art reference Shunga in presenting sex as a natural part of the everyday?
The Shunga images that particularly interested me were the ones that captured couples post-sex, ...Subscribe to read this article in full
