Nucleus presents an ambitious collection of new paintings and drawings by the acclaimed artist depicting the strength of Japanese women throughout history and folklore.
Through this new collection, the artist has chosen to visually explore four stories, each with three paintings in addition to drawings. She tells of the curse of Ushi no Koku Mairi, a torment brought upon a victim through a ritual and use of spikes driven through a doll. Mizuno also captures Jigoku Dayu's astonishment of a Zen priest dancing with skeletons and Futakuchi Onna who has a second mouth beneath her head of hair.
Join us for the opening reception to meet the artist in person as she signs copies of her latest releases including two new prints (pictured right).
Also stay tuned for an interview with the artist for an upcoming eposide of the
Gallery Nucleus Podcast.
About the Artist
Born in 1973 Tokyo, Japan, Junko Mizuno is an internationally acclaimed artist who has appeared in a multitude of arenas. This exhibit at Gallery Nucleus covers an impressively eclectic array of subjects, including ancient cursing rituals, female fishing exploits, religious epiphanies, and folkloric monsters. While Junko's work is heavily influenced by Japanese culture, she also cites artists Aubrey Beardsley and Eric Stanton as strong inspirations. This show combines deceptively adorable imagery with disturbingly sadistic myths, complete with an underlying theme of female empowerment.
Not only is she an accomplished illustrator, Junko began her career a successful graphic novelist over ten years ago in Japan with her comic series Pure Trance (1998). Her most recent work includes Hell Babies, and the series Little Fluffy Gigolo Pelu. Mizuno’s comics have appeared in Tokion magazine, Secret Comics Japan, and PULP: The Manga Magazine. Her wide range of exhibitions includes La Luz de Jesus Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, Mexico, and Juxtapoz’s Annual Group Show. She currently resides in California.
www.mizuno-junko.com
Ushi no Koku Mairi 3 | Acrylic on panel | 12" x 9"
Onna Bune (Women's Fishing Boat) 2 | Acrylic on panel | 12" x 9"
Top Image:
Ushi no Koku Mairi 1 | Acrylic on canvas | 16" x 16"
Rollover Image:
Futakuchi Onna (Two-Mouthed Woman) 1 | Acrylic on canvas | 16" x 16"
