I use the word “cute” to describe this wave of independent art which has a peculiar aesthetic, mixing the light nature of children’s art with adult quirkiness and more serious tones. Whereas Japanese anime and childrens’ book illustration, both influences of this genre, stick to a visual code that is obvious and transparent, this art can have a darker side. For me it can, at times, feel a bit sad, but whatever the reaction the take-away is that this art is not as one-sided as it seems.
Despite the subtle complexity, this art celebrates the silly little things in life that make us content: pets, tea, knitting, rain. It un-apologetically takes a low-brow and childish bent- unsophisticated colors like pink and yellow and plain compositions of quirky little animals. It’s art that is unpretentious in nature and pleasing and happy.
Check out the newest addition to my collection! It’s a print of Going to the Mountains by Daphne Cellophane aka Katie Milloy-Parry. As soon as I saw this cute little number I knew I loved it, but I debated buying it anyway because I thought it might be TOO cute. After coming back to Katie’s print again and again (if this happens to you take it as a sure sign to go for it!), I finally made the purchase… for a mere $15 on etsy.
Affordability is the best thing going for prints. Don’t have much money to spare? Buy a print! Interested in art that might be too trendy/ cute/ dark/ etc.? Buy a print! Worried your taste might change in 6 months? Well, you get the point. The investment is negligible meaning that you can and should take risks and buy what you like today.
Here is the print framed and hanging in a little corner of my bedroom. I love looking at it when I get in and out of bed. It’s so happy and sweet and makes me smile. For more photos of my art collection, click here.
