birth_date: 1967-07-15 00:00:00
avg_rating: 3.86
name: Maki Kusumoto
about: Aesthetic minimalism, a predilection for darkness, an infatuation with androgyny and a preference for the vague over the distinct: These tendencies are inherent in most Japanese art-forms. And manga are no exception. Maki Kusumoto’s (Japanese name: 楠本まき) strange comic-books reflect these trends perfectly. Although she has long had a cult following as a “manga-ka” (a manga artist) in Japan, she doesn’t really like to be classified as one. Her distinctly original drawing ability eminently suits characters struggling with inner demons in a world of deceptive placidity. Her university background in philosophy perhaps underlies the feel for existential unease; either way there is depth here that really has nothing in common with the manga norm.M Aesthetic minimalism, a predilection for darkness, an infatuation with androgyny and a preference for the vague over the distinct: These tendencies are inherent in most Japanese art-forms. And manga are no exception. Maki Kusumoto’s (Japanese name: 楠本まき) strange comic-books reflect these trends perfectly. Although she has long had a cult following as a “manga-ka” (a manga artist) in Japan, she doesn’t really like to be classified as one. Her distinctly original drawing ability eminently suits characters struggling with inner demons in a world of deceptive placidity. Her university background in philosophy perhaps underlies the feel for existential unease; either way there is depth here that really has nothing in common with the manga norm.Maki’s people are elegant and willowy, stretching their long limbs in sinuous poses; they caress each other with long-tapering fingers. She is to manga as Aubrey Beardsley was to mainstream illustration. Intense, sexy and slightly sinister. ...more