Junko Mizuno, “Pomegranate”, 2015, acrylic & ink on paper, 17” x 14”. Photo: Courtesy of Narwhal
Junko Mizuno’s art has always been about powerful women — in the form of witches, mermaids, goddesses among others — who like to live their lives for themselves and who want to please only themselves. Her characters also carry a lot of sexual energy, which to me symbolizes sexual liberation. She creates cute, yet sensual and gothic pieces of work.
Junko Mizuno, “Coffee”, 2015, acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20”. Photo: Courtesy of Narwhal
In this series, Ambrosial Affair, Mizuno depicts goddesses and monsters who are hysterically or devilishly obsessing over food. This is the second installment of a three-part series by the Japanese, San Francisco-based illustrator, comic artist, and toy designer. The first installment was entitled Venus Cake.
Junko Mizuno, “Noodles”, 2015, acrylic & ink on paper, 14” x 17”. Photo: Courtesy of Narwhal
Many of the pieces have gold paint that shines like glitter, adding allure to the paintings. The emotions of the characters make every piece fun and playful. Although the gallery’s definition of the exhibition labeled Mizuno’s art as being a series of food fetishes, she says that she simply adores drawing women and food, and has always loved to since childhood. It has been her dream to have a show where she pairs her two favorite subjects together to create some fantastic art.
Junko Mizuno’s paintings are on display at Narwhal, including her sketches which can be found at the back of the gallery space. Some of her prints are available at Magic Pony.
Josephine Mwanvua
*Exhibition information: February 21 – March 14, 2015, Narwhal, 2104 Dundas Street West, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sat, 12 – 6 p.m.