Now based in Madison, Wisconsin, Japanese artist Manabu Ikeda has become famous for his labyrinthine and other-wordly artworks.

Madison

"The lakes of Madison – Mendota, Monona, Wingra — make people so happy. Whenever I want to refresh or get inspiration, I go to one of the lakes."

Lake Mendota

"Epic is an IT company but are very unique, because every building imitates some very  famous movie or country. It’s like being inside an amusement park, so it’s fun to visit, and everyone is allowed to come inside and tour the buildings."

Epic Systems

"The Chazen Museum is the university museum where I was artist-in-residence for three years. It’s a peaceful and quiet place, and I get inspired by a lot of the artworks there."

Chazen Museum of Art

"Vintage Brewing Company is my favorite restaurant. You can experience the difference in size between Japanese food and American food. The hamburgers there are delicious –– and so big!"

Vintage Brewing Company

"I love coffee. My house is so busy because I have four kids, but when I go to Crescendo, it's very peaceful and the perfect place for thinking about my artwork and escaping the kids. Very good coffee."

Crescendo Espresso Bar