Junko Go - painter

Junko was born and grew up in a country town of Shiga in Japan. She studied English at university in Kyoto and became an interpreter after graduation. In 1984 she moved to Poughkeepsie, a rural town in New York State. It was here that her interest in art began to develop. Excited by her new passion, she studied basic drawing and painting at a local college. Returning to Japan, she opened her own studio where she had numerous successful exhibitions. In 1992 Junko migrated to Australia and later settled in Tasmania. She says it was because she was looking for a better quality of life and more creative inspiration.

Junko's work celebrates an enthusiasm for the landscape and the natural environment. Her figures and animal motifs are whimsical and carefree, they exudes a love for life and a witty vitality. The works are a joyful statement about every day things executed with astuteness and poignancy. Her use of the meandering line and naive figurative style gives her work an innocent sincerity. The multi-layered imagery however, is intelligent and the complexity of the structure does not inhibit the light-hearted and optimistic atmosphere.

" I was born in Japan and brought up in the Japanese tradition. Since becoming a permanent resident in Australia in 1992 I have had to redefine my identity: personally and culturally.

I am interested in the similarities rather than the differences between East and West. There are always universal ties, regardless of language, colour and culture. I believe in a universal community. My work is an exploration of the relationships between people, place and time."

Junko has had numerous solo exhibitions in Australia and Japan including "Junko Jungle", Dalmeny Gallery, Evandale, "Bold and Hungry", Design Centre Launceston and "All About Goats", Handmark Gallery, Hobart. Her work is included in numerous public and private collections nationally and internationally.