Haruko I, 2017

Ikemura Leiko, active since the 1970s and born in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is a pivotal figure in neo-expressionism, known for her evolving works across various mediums that consistently feature ambiguous and age-blurred girl motifs. Her art challenges traditional, sexualized representations of females, aiming instead to depict them as complex, autonomous beings beyond the male gaze. By focusing on girls in a state of transformation, Ikemura critiques societal perceptions of femininity and seeks to empower female identities, making her work a significant commentary on the portrayal of women in art. Her commitment to exploring the nuances of feminine existence has placed her work in prestigious collections worldwide, emphasizing her impact on the international art scene.
Ikemura Leiko's works are in multiple renowned public collections, such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne and Bundeskunstsammlung in Berlin.