JUNKO MIZUNO

Born in Japan. Lives and works in San Francisco, USA.

With a greater practice that ranges from graphic novels to painting and designer multiples, Mizuno’s oeuvre includes traditional fairy tale tropes like revenge, retribution, tragedy and indulgence. Flowing lines combined with geometric shapes and symbolic content endow the works with the feel of an empowering emotional awakening that echoes the vibrant energy of Fin de Siécle European art. Spanning from her art deco and art nouveau influences are specific nods to the dark and alluring poster styles of 19th century illustrator Aubrey Beardsley and the 1960s female-dominant bondage fetish comic book illustrations of American artist Eric Stanton. Mizuno has reimagined these histories through female Shojo gothic horror scenes and pinup girls that act as stylized expansions of her roots in the graphic novel and comic book genres. With bold black graphics and broad planes of deep, smooth colour that support details drawing from numerous sources, the works typify Mizuno’s unique and attracting trademark style.

As an accomplished illustrator, Mizuno began her career as an emerging graphic novelist in Japan with her original graphic novelPure Trance followed by manga adaptions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales Princess Mermaid, Cinderalla and Hansel & Gretel. As a rare female comic creator in Japan, Mizuno pioneered stories of powerful female protagonists within imaginary worlds that are equal parts American psychedelia, contemporary kawaii and gothic horror. Mizuno’s sweetly titillating horrific depictions of classic tales appealed to international audiences and she soon developed an intense cult following worldwide. Her most recent narrative work includes Hell Babies, Ravina the Witch and the ongoing series Little Fluffy Gigolo Pelu.

» Junko Mizuno CV

EXHIBITIONS
FEB 2015 Ambrosial Affair, Solo Exhibition
MAR 2012 Venus Cake, Solo Exhibition
MAY 2009 Red Tresses & Freckles, Solo Exhibition