‘Anatomy of Innocence’ is the title of a 2015 solo exhibition of Jana Brike’s work which was shown at the Copro Gallery in Los Angeles. It seems the perfect description of that part of her work which explores intimacy and relationship – with self and with others – by way of small relatively sexless young creatures which are both human and fantasy, often with little pink tails and wide-open blue eyes.

As with all of Jana Brike’s work, there is a strong autobiographical element, underlined by the title of some of these paintings, such as ‘Self-portrait with Erect Tail’. These deceptively simple, cartoon-like images raise fascinating insights and questions about childhood sensuality and the need for physical awareness and contact.