Ghost Abduction during softer summer days is a painting from the series of Ghost Paintings by the American painter Adam Handler. Adam Handler is one of the Kawaii Faux Naïf Artists.

New York-based artist Adam Handler’s signature ghost paintings bring together Handler’s arsenal of iconic phantom characters alongside new faces to address his recurring interest in mortality and how to cope with fearing loss. Coming together to depict a brilliantly saturated universe, these paintings collectively and kindly offer a whimsical mediation on the transience of life.

His Ghost Paintings unfold the virtuosity of the artist. Composed with the multi-colored acrylic paints and oil sticks that are characteristic to the artist’s uniquely vibrant universe, these works evolved out of earlier series of friendly wide-eyed ghosts and abstract girls. For this exhibition, his images of ghosts are introduced to new monsters and explore boldly hued backdrops of starbursts, UFO’s, rain, polkadots, drips of paint, and wild flora. In these new works, Handler pushes the emotions of his figures both metaphorically and physically. Whether standing alone or paired with companions, as in some of his larger paintings, these warmly nostalgic figures have evolved to speak to communities and individuals caught in the midst of uncertain times. Cheekily depicted wolves and monsters, pineapples, rain showers, galaxies, and brightly accessorized girls all come together in sweeping gestural marks of oilstick.

Adam Handler – internationally acclaimed Painter

Adam Handler, born in 1986 studied “Life Drawing” in Italy and received a degree from Purchase College in New York. He also studied craft design with Jorge Nieves and color photography with Debra Mesa-Pelly. Adam Handler’s work has been exhibited in New York, Greenwich CT, Canada and Texas. Childlike simplicity, quirky, colorful, primitive – these are just a few words to describe the extraordinary talent of New York born painter Adam Handler. His recognizable figures, such as bats, ghosts, and wide-eyed girls, embody an innocence and youthful energy that even the best artists would say is nearly impossible to render with fresh authenticity. Pablo Picasso said it best, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Using acrylic paint, oil pastels, pencil and markers, Adam Handler’s childlike and passionate drawing technique creates distinct, contoured characters that appear almost flat, with little to no depth of field. The backgrounds of his works are highly detailed but rough, energetically drawn with scratches and marks that seem to spill over the edge of the canvas, giving a hasty and improvised feel. The work of Willem De Kooning helped Adam Handler have an aha moment: a figure doesn’t have to look like a figure, but can reflect the characteristics of a figure. Handler’s large-scale, imaginative figures connect the viewer with a sense of warm nostalgia or even a memory of days long past. Several sold-out solo shows throughout Asia keep the young artist on his toes, with another planned for Hong Kong in spring 2024. There are now waiting lists for his paintings. The Kawaii trend in the younger art scene comes primarily from Asia, where paintings are selling like hot cakes.

In the art world, “kawaii” refers to a Japanese aesthetic that emphasizes cuteness, innocence, and childlike qualities. The term “kawaii” translates to “cute” or “adorable” in English. This aesthetic has its roots in Japanese pop culture and has become a prominent and influential style in various forms of art, including illustration, painting, fashion, and even digital media.

Key features of kawaii art include:

Cute Characters: Kawaii art often features characters with large, expressive eyes, small noses and mouths, and rounded, chubby features. These characters are typically animals, fantasy creatures, or even inanimate objects transformed into cute, anthropomorphic beings.

Bright Colors: Kawaii art tends to use a vibrant and pastel color palette, enhancing the overall cute and playful atmosphere. The colors are often soft and cheerful, contributing to the overall aesthetic.

Simplified Shapes: Kawaii art often simplifies shapes, opting for rounder and softer lines. This simplification contributes to the innocent and childlike qualities of the artwork.

Themes of Innocence: Kawaii art often conveys a sense of innocence and purity. It may feature themes related to childhood, friendship, and simple pleasures, creating a positive and uplifting vibe.

Everyday Objects: Kawaii art can transform ordinary, everyday objects into cute and charming elements. This includes food, household items, and even technology, turning them into lovable characters.

Influence on Fashion: The kawaii aesthetic has also influenced fashion, with cute and colorful clothing, accessories, and even hairstyles. The fashion style associated with kawaii is often seen as a form of self-expression and a way to embrace childlike joy.

Manga and Anime: Kawaii is a prevalent style in Japanese manga and anime. Many popular characters in these mediums are designed with the kawaii aesthetic, contributing to its global popularity.

Overall, kawaii art is not just an artistic style; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has transcended its Japanese origins to become a global influence on art, design, and popular culture. Artists around the world draw inspiration from kawaii aesthetics, creating diverse and imaginative works that celebrate the charm and cuteness associated with this unique style.