KATANA.ILUSTRA Exhibition | SAKURA TANGO FESTIVAL 2026

Art Exhibition

This edition of the festival is graced by the subtle art of KATANA.ILUSTRA, bridging Japanese delicacy with the passion of tango.

　KATANA.ILUSTRA Exhibition

April 2nd to 5th, 2026.

Nishitetsu Hall / TIEMPO HALL

KATANA.ILUSTRA is a graphic designer from Argentina. An artist with a deep admiration for Japanese culture and a 3rd Dan rank in Aikido, she possesses a unique style inspired by Japanese culture and cats, capturing heart-touching details and subtleties. Her diverse work spans across package design, framed art, children's picture books, and illustrated poetry.

We are delighted to announce that KATANA.ILUSTRA will participate in this year’s Sakura Tango Festival as a guest artist through a special exhibition of her work. During the festival, both Nishitetsu Hall and Tiempo Hall will be adorned with her beautiful illustrations.

At Nishitetsu Hall, the venue for the Gran Milonga, she will present "A lo Megata" (In the style of Megata), a series inspired by Baron Tsunayoshi Megata, who first introduced tango to Japan. This collection features six charming works depicting cats dancing the tango with passion.

Meanwhile, at Tiempo Hall—the venue for workshops and the After Milonga—she will exhibit pieces from her self-published books, including "Dos Grullas" (Two Cranes), "Para mí, Japón..." (For me, Japan...), which is themed around her travels to Japan, and the series titled "Emociones" (Emotions).

We invite you to take your time and enjoy her delicate touch and world full of playful imagination.

　KATANA.ILUSTRA, Graphic Designer and Artist

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Details and subtlety, like kittens, Japan, and Aikido, touch my heart... that's how I draw.
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My name is Ana Burroni, aka: Katana.ilustra.

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I am an Illustrator and Graphic Designer, having graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. I teach Graphic Design and Drawing at the FADU (University of Buenos Aires). I also completed a Postgraduate Program in Professional Illustration at FADU (University of Buenos Aires).

I have practiced the martial art of Aikido for many years (my current rank is 3rd Dan), and I am also an instructor.
This Japanese art led me to fall in love with Japan, which has changed and improved my life.

My work is inspired by Japanese culture and cats, I love them! Both share a common thread of subtlety, attention to detail, and a non-literal approach. I'm passionate about working with rhetoric and creating a dialogue between my illustrations and the viewer.

I work on projects such as illustrated products, framed art, children's picture books, and illustrated poetry books. I like the idea that illustrated books aren't just for children or adults; they're for everyone.

I've worked on and published several books with the following publishers: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, Ediciones SM, Macma Ediciones, Libros del Náufrago, Ediciones Santillana, Editorial Macmillan, Fundación Garraham, Editorial Argonauta, Tinta Fresca Ediciones, Estación Mandioca, Wolkowickz Editores, Muñeca de Trapo Ediciones, and Claraboya Ediciones.

I currently have five picture book projects underway (concept, illustration, and editorial design):
"A journey for two" (self-published), "Two Cranes" (self-published), "for me, Japan..." (in progress), "My Engineer dog" (in progress), and "The art of peace" (in progress, an illustrated version of the book by the creator of Aikido, O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba).

I'm motivated by self-managed projects and the publishing world.

I also lead the workshop/seminar "Making an Illustrated Book is...", a training program on picture books that connects graphic design and the illustrated book. Aimed at visual artists and illustrators without formal training in editorial graphic design.
I produced educational reference materials for this project.

I first traveled to Japan in 2011 for two and a half months. I lived in Tokyo and practiced at Aikikai World Headquarters, the main headquarters of this martial art. I visited Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura for the first time.

I returned in 2015 for a month and a half to practice at the Honbu Dojo. I also practiced at the Ibaraki Dojo in Iwama, the founding dojo and birthplace of Aikido. I visited Kyoto again and practiced at Aikido Kyoto.

In September and October of 2018, I returned to Japan for two months to resume intensive practice at the Honbu Dojo and in Kyoto. I visited Hakone and Kamakura.

The journey continues...
"Aikido is the path of self-conquest, eliminating the spirit of confrontation and ultimately eradicating all thoughts of rivalry and opposition." - O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (founder of Aikido).

I studied a little Japanese, another way to connect with this culture that I so admire and respect.

I also learned to dance the tango!, another bridge between cultures, the passion for this dance and its unique music.
I also practice Ashtanga Yoga. I practice Zazen.

@katana.ilustra
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