Tokyo / H: 42.0cm W: 178.7cm / 2006 / Inkjet Print on Paper

Ryu Itadani is born in 1974 in Osaka, Japan. Since then, he has been living in Osaka, Toronto, and London and since 2004; he has been living and working in Tokyo. He graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design with Degree in Graphic Design.

He has a very unique point of view towards his surrounding especially city, inanimate objects and nature, which contributed mainly into his works’ theme. He plays with hand-drawn lines and lots of colours in creating his artworks. The end result produces a very simple, naive yet detailed drawing with bright colours to bombard the viewer.

“I see the things, then I see the lines, then I see the colors,” he says. “In terms of creation, I try my upmost. Enjoyment is important to me. Communication is the key thing.”

J-WAVE / H: 50.4cm W: 42.0cm / 2008 / Inkjet Print on Paper

His media are just as simple. He uses black pen to draw lines on a white piece of paper, proceed to scan the drawing, and input colours using computer software. Lately, he has started using acrylic painting as well.

His style of drawing can be found in various fashion labels, magazines, newspapers and advertisements. Recently, Itadani has worked with OMOTESANDO HILLS and Asahi Newspaper.

Ginza / H: 45.4cmm W: 29.4cmm / 2006 / Inkjet Print on Paper

Hong_Kong / H: 42.0cm W: 91.5cm / 2006 / Inkjet Print on Paper

Seven Stars (Black Ed.) / H: 17.9cm W: 13.9cm / 2008 / Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

Heineken / H: 27.3cm W: 22.0cm / 2008 / Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

Here is an interview taken from PingMag written by Chiemi, dated back in 29 Dec 2008.

Ryu Itadani: A World in Colors

Many of you have probably already finished work for the year and had your bonenkai, and now you’re getting ready for a big cleaning day and the celebrations for the new year. And yes, this is the last article from PingMag for 2008. Today’s guest is a Japanese artist, Ryu Itadani. Even if you’ve never heard of his name, chances are you’ve seen his beautiful work for Omotesando Hills. So let’s have a look at some of his amazing work and celebrate the end of 2008! Kanpai!

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Ryu Itadani, born in Osaka, in 1974. I’m based in Tokyo now. My work features free hand lines that I draw using an original point of view, and a particular sense of colors. So far, I’ve done artwork for, among other things, Omotesando Hills for their 1st anniversary, and illustrations for the Asahi Shimbun, where I’ve presented my city series and things series.

How was 2008 for you?

I challenged myself by using acrylics this year. It’s such great fun and a thing worth doing to draw with a new medium.

What is your resolution and plan for the new year?

I’m thinking of drawing bigger sized works. I’m also planning to have a solo exhibition at Marunouchi Gallery in Tokyo.

Any message for our readers?

If you have time, please come and visit my site!