This vivid limited edition print, 《比翼の鳥が行く》 (The Flying Paired Birds), created in 1983 by celebrated Japanese artist Ay-O (靉嘔 / Takao Iijima, born 1931), exemplifies his distinctive "rainbow" aesthetic, an exuberant exploration of color, light, and form.
The phrase 比翼鳥 (Hiyokudori) originates from ancient Chinese mythology, where it describes a mythical bird that has only one eye and one wing, so that a male and female must fly together as one to move through the sky. It symbolizes eternal love, unity, and mutual dependence, two beings who are incomplete alone but perfectly whole together.
Ay-O born in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, Takao Iijima, who later adopted the pseudonym Ay-O, is internationally known as the “Rainbow Artist” for his vibrant chromatic explorations. After early involvement with Japan’s avant-garde Democratic Artists Association (Demokurato Bijutsu Kyokai) in the 1950s, Ay-O moved to New York in 1958, where he became a key member of the Fluxus movement—an international network of artists including George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik.
By the mid-1960s, Ay-O developed his hallmark “Rainbow” series, using gradations of vivid color to evoke tactile sensations and emotional resonance. He represented Japan at the 33rd Venice Biennale (1966), gaining international acclaim for his immersive “Rainbow Environment” installations.
Ay-O’s art embodies a joyful philosophy rooted in freedom, sensory exploration, and optimism. His works are held in major museum collections worldwide.
The print has some scratches, kindly review the photos for details on the item’s condition.
Size: 19 x 12cm (Inner Frame)
25 x 20 x 3cm (Frame)
