Spot the Difference

One of the first things one notices when looking at "Okuu Smirking and Pointing Upwards" is the bold, red eye in the middle. Jun'ya Ota could have drawn Okuu like his standard loli drawings. However, he draws Okuu with her wings raised up and her left hand pointing to an eclipsed sun. Not only does this show the pride Okuu has, but it also helps to center the portrait to that red eye of power. This theme of power is supported by the cape of stars and the atom shape around Okuu's left leg. Those two things symbolize the fact that Okuu's dominance goes from the tiny atom to the vastness of space, and everything in between. 

Another thing one notices is the orange rod attached to Okuu's right arm. With context, we know that this orange rod, along with her right leg, "the leg of fusion", and left leg, "the leg of decomposition", are the source of Okuu's abilities. There is an imbalance in how her "three legs" are depicted. Both her right arm and right leg have a noticeable covering, while her left leg has the less noticeable atom. This imbalance towards her right, more dominant side is symbolic of Okuu's goal to conquer Gensokyo.

The third thing one will notice is the aforementioned pointing to the eclipsed sun. The eclipsed sun signifies doom and destruction. Okuu pointing towards it shows what she is capable of doing. Between her red eye and this eclipsed sun is Okuu's smirk. It is only on a whim that Okuu does not use her immense power to destroy everything.

In short, Jun'ya Ota has created a portrait that shows the true terror that is Okuu. "Okuu Smirking and Pointing Upwards" is a masterpiece that should be experienced by all art enthusiasts.

"Angel of Death"? I don't know, Google said something about a man mourning a "pure maiden's" death as she ascends to Heaven. I don't understand classical art.