In this book, the Albertina presents a cross-section of the work of Leiko Ikemura (*1951 in Tsu, Japan). Known for her poetically powerful works, in which she combines Western and Eastern influences, the Japanese-Swiss artist devotes herself to themes such as femininity, transformation and identity. Ikemura translates the fragility and mystery of human existence into images that are both universal and deeply personal. Her work is characterized by a surreal visual language and ranges from luminous paintings and reduced drawings to sculptures made of glazed terracotta, glass and bronze. A central aspect of her work is the close connection between man and nature, which is expressed through a fusion of body and landscape or in the form of hybrid creatures.Leiko Ikemura (*1951, Japan) studied art in Granada and Seville, Spain. Afterward, she lived in Zurich, then Cologne, and is now resident in Berlin. Her body of work includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings.