
LY
Bio
LY is a Japanese artist known for her striking grayscale illustrations, which take the form of screen prints, paintings, and murals. Her works depict supernatural characters, most notably LUV, a lanky figure whose eyes always meet the viewer's gaze, no matter the angle or position of the body. LUV, in many ways a self-portrait, reflects LY's memories, emotions, and imagination, becoming a recurring character in her urban scenes, often with a skateboard in tow.
Since 2015, LY has brought LUV to life not only in 2D but also in three dimensions, creating small sculptures and augmented reality renderings. Her unique graphic style combines smooth planes of color with sharp edges, and her work is heavily influenced by urban art seen on the graffitied walls of Tokyo. Merging street art and fine art, LY's work expresses her deep connection to the cityscapes she has visited and imagined since childhood.
Having studied painting from a young age, LY later immersed herself in street art, murals, and graffiti, which played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic journey. Today, her mural work aims to foster new forms of communication and interaction with the cities she inhabits, making each piece a reflection of its environment and people.