I mentioned this book last week in the Yuri Network News report, but I really wanted to highlight it for you.
Kumiko Kayukawa’s art hits a number of my buttons, with attractive female (often with weapon) surrounded by animals (often of the cute, fluffy variety,) obake and youkai, all with a Princess Mononoke feel.
There is sense of violence in her art, but the female is not passive, nor is she rampaging. It often feels like she’s protecting, playing, even relaxing with the creatures around her. It’s poster art enough to be instantly appealing to pop culture fans, but has some Ukiyo-e roots showing.
The book is available from ZERO+Publishing by direct purchase. If you’re looking for a unique gift for the female-focused Japanese culture fan in your life, this will probably make a splash.
Ratings:
Overall – 9
Chick with weapon, cute animals, pop art and echoes of Ukiyo-e. I like it lots. ^_^
Thank you so much for highlighting such a cool artist. I’ll have to check out more of her work.
My pleasure liz! I hope you enjoy her work. It seems like it would be right up the Okazu family alley. ^_^
Awesome and definitely something I’d love to get my hands on!
On another note, Erica, I have a question for you and the okazu readers; I’d like to do a series of paintings of boi-ish or masculine women as the subjects. Is that something you or anyone you know might be interested in doing?
P.s. I know asking this here might seem inappropriate but I don’t know that many lesbians personally. Whatever the response I’d like to thank you for hearing-er, reading me out.
You’re in NY, right? Hopefully some folks will contact you.
Erica, yes. It would be great if that happens. Thanks! :)
I know it is early going but how will you be collecting these images? Ie. in a book or exhibit or part of a course portfolio?
Good question, Mara.
Mara, I was thinking of an exhibition. But since I still have to gather volunteers nothing is set in stone.
Thank you for asking!
If you do manage to put together an exhibition, I hope you’ll share the info with us. ^_^
Retailers can also obtain the book from Last Gasp.
Thanks, Gilles.