Taku Bannai’s simply constructed collages depict daily life in pastel hues

Taku Bannai’s illustrations are collaged together using coloured paper cut into simple figures and scenes. Born in Tokyo, Taku’s pared-back style is mimicked throughout his portfolio of book jackets, posters and magazine covers. In this series of works, he leaves vast chasms of pastel space for the viewer to interpret. “I leave this space and keep it simple to help people when looking at my work. If everyone imagines a different story or a scene, I’m glad,” he explains.

Inspired by music and photography, Taku is also moved by the world around him. “I like to watch the everyday happenings in town,” he says. “In my work I’m a remote presence, simply observing what goes on.” Taku depicts daily life through stripped back scenes and his works often capture an interaction between people or lone figures doing activities like dancing or cycling. What sets Taku’s illustrations apart is the fact they’re pieced together by hand. The slight texture and layering of the different papers gives his work both a depth and delicate appearance that breathes new life into this minimalist style.