Co-curated by FunDesign.tv and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (SKM), “Angels: TOMOKO NAGAO Art Exhibition” is now on view at the 3rd floor of SKM Diamond Tower, running through August 31. This captivating showcase features the iconic works and brand-new Angel Series sculptures by Japanese artist Tomoko Nagao, widely known as the queen of Super Kawaii art.
For the first time ever, the exhibition unveils four exclusive hand-drawn limited edition angel sculptures, offering a rare glimpse into Nagao’s playful yet poetic aesthetic.
On the opening day of the exhibition, Tomoko Nagao made a special appearance to personally share the stories and creative context behind her works. The artist engaged in in-depth conversations with guests, offering insights into the deeper meaning hidden beneath the sweet and playful exterior of her creations.
Her bold spirit of questioning and critique, subtly woven into each piece, left the audience both astonished and deeply moved.
A Whimsical Portal into the World of Angels
FunDesign.tv notes that Tomoko Nagao is known for her signature approach of reimagining classical imagery through the lens of Renaissance art and consumer culture, infused with the playful aesthetic of Japanese pop. Her artistic vision aligns seamlessly with the architectural style of SKM Diamond Tower, designed by renowned architect Paul Noritaka Tange, making this collaboration a natural fit.
As visitors ascend the escalator to the third floor, they are immediately greeted by a larger-than-life Angel inflatable sculpture — a visual invitation into Nagao’s whimsical universe. This figure draws inspiration from her acclaimed public art piece The Allegory of Taipei Dome, capturing attention with its adorably exaggerated form and beckoning viewers into a fantastical narrative space.
At the entrance, acrylic panels reflect light in soft, iridescent hues, creating an ethereal atmosphere that mirrors the dreamlike quality of Nagao’s work. Throughout the space, natural symbols such as two-headed snakes and butterflies are subtly embedded, representing the Angel as a poetic bridge between humanity and the natural world.
The exhibition also showcases a curated selection of Tomoko Nagao’s print works from over the years. Drawing inspiration from iconic yet ambiguous masterpieces by Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Japanese ukiyo-e, Nagao reconfigures classical art by fusing it with bold commercial imagery and her own playful creativity. In doing so, she disrupts the original context, generating fresh visual meanings that reframe how we perceive art. Her work initiates a compelling dialogue between European art history and Japanese pop culture.
Tomoko Nagao uses a “kawaii” visual language to courageously question capitalist consumerism. Her artworks radiate a seemingly harmless charm while delivering a sharp, critical undertone — a contrast that both disarms and provokes, making her pieces as subversive as they are delightful.
｜ Exhibition Info｜《Angels: TOMOKO NAGAO Art Exhibition》
Location：3F, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi(SKM) Diamond Tower, Building 1
Exhibition Period：～Now through August 31
Transportation：Take the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Exit 2. Walk approximately 2 minutes.
Address：No. 268, Section 3, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan