An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of two young swimmers underwater in black-and-white striped suits, wearing vintage metal diving helmetsAll images courtesy of the artist, shared with permission

January 21, 2026

Illustration

Kate Mothes

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Playful idiosyncrasies and bouts of whimsy bubble up in the works of Yuko Shimizu. Depicting swimmers in vintage bathing suits as they dive after giant fish or diminutive figures wading through tulips twice as tall as they are, the Brooklyn-based artist’s playful illustrations evoke folktales and dreams, characterized by enigmatic narratives and determined action.

Shimizu has previously taught at Quarantine, a unique residency off the coast of Menorca, Spain, where artists are invited to disconnect from tech in order to reconnect with the creative process and one another. She’s currently working on a number of book illustration projects and preparing to return to Quarantine for another stint this spring. Find more on her Instagram.

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of a diminutive figure with numerous braids standing amid tulips that are twice as tall as her

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of hands reaching up toward the tail of a heron, which flies in front of a red orb

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of swimmers in black-and-white striped suits diving after large magenta fish underwater

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of a giant red octopus holding a bottle and swimmers in its tentacles

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of swimmers in black-and-white striped suits and caps

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of snowy woods with red birds flying around a Bigfoot-like figure seated on a stump

An illustration by Yuko Shimizu of determined swimmers in striped suits and caps walking with a bullhorn and noisemakers

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