# Innocence Lost Portrayals (UPDATE) Sashiko Yuen Captures the Sense of Teenage Emotional Turmoil By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-04-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sashiko-yuen1 References: [brwnpaperbag](http://www.brwnpaperbag.com/2012/04/19/wishcandy-sashiko-yuen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wishcandy-sashiko-yuen) & [wishcandyart.blogspot](http://wishcandyart.blogspot.ca/) Blending together [elements of anime](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork) and retro American cartoons, Sashiko Yuen's illustrations take the teenage female form as its subject. Exploring elements such as [loneliness, shame, discomfort and exclusion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes), Shashiko Yuen (aka Wishcandy) uses a combination of surrealistic elements paired with authentic, lifelike representations. A particularly evocative portrait centers around a young, blue-haired teenage girl holding an over-sized Easter egg. The audience immediately recognizes the look of despair but as the attention shifts from the facial expression to the "x-shaped" eyes to the tattoos of scissors across her body, the notion of self-criticism becomes progressively more articulated. Teenage years are a turbulent time for many young individuals, feeling the need to appease a crowd at the expense of one's own personal identity. Shashiko Yuen captures that sense of [disappearing innocence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-eternal-child) in this collection of illustrations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Anime-inspired Illustrations:** Artists can capitalize on the growing popularity of anime-inspired illustrations, creating unique and captivating artworks that appeal to a wide range of audiences. - **Exploring Teenage Emotional Turmoil:** There is an opportunity for therapists and mental health professionals to use art as a medium to help teenagers express and cope with their emotional struggles in a safe and creative way. - **Combining Surrealism and Realism:** Artists and designers can explore the combination of surrealistic and lifelike elements in their work, creating visually captivating pieces that engage the viewer on multiple levels. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists can find new ways to incorporate elements of anime and surrealism into their work, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and attracting a wider audience. - **Therapy and Mental Health:** Therapists and mental health professionals can incorporate art therapy techniques into their practice, helping teenagers explore and express their emotions in a supportive and creative environment. - **Publishing and Entertainment:** Publishers and entertainment companies can explore collaborations with artists and illustrators who specialize in creating anime-inspired illustrations, tapping into the growing demand for unique and visually captivating content. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Illustrated Streetwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasted-youth-x-tappei.md) - [Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peachy-dens-sweet-cheeks.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Starry-Eyed Dichroic Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starryeyed-dichroic-sculpture.md) - [Show Collectible Figure Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-11.md) - [Destructive Nature Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keita-miyazaki.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Young Artist-Supporting Illustration Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/student-illustration-contest.md) - [Art-Tech Zine Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twentynine-zine.md)