Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond

We are honored to hold an exhibition of Maki Kusumoto, a manga artist who is known for “KISSxxxx”, “K no Soretsu”, and the “Akashirotsurubami” series. By following the tracks of her work for over 37 years, the exhibition is focused on the beautiful world of Maki Kusumoto’s work, created in harmony with “lines” and “words”.

Closures

Every Tuesday and Wednesday
* However, there will be no closure days between July 15 (Thu) and August 30 (Mon).
Venue

2F Galleries 1, 2 and 3
Fee

Free
* However, a General Admission ticket to the Museum is required
Online Ticket
Organizers

Kyoto Seika University International Manga Research Center
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Cooperating with

Landschaft
Supervisor

Maki Kusumoto
Guest Curator

Aki Kusumoto
Art Director

Kazunori Akita
Video Support

FlyingDog, Inc.

Content

This exhibition overviews Maki Kusumoto’s work that spans the last 37 years. Through carefully chosen words, scenes composed with exquisite lines in black and white, including book design, Kusumoto’s work shows her uncompromising attitude towards beauty. The aesthetic, decadent, and stylish world that she creates has fascinated fans from different generations and brought numerous great works into being. Not only in the field of manga, but also in other fields like fashion and music, there are countless artists who have been inspired by her.
In the exhibition, Maki Kusumoto’s dedicated work are on display. Besides original drawings (around 30 pieces), there are etchings, all her books, color proof papers with her handwriting on them, sheets of fax paper, and small objects that are drawn in her manga.

Etching for the exhibition “Two Decades” (2003)
©Maki Kusumoto

Illustration specially drawn for the video *KISSxxxx* (1991)
©Maki Kusumoto

Underdrawing for a color illustration of the book *Ikasama Umigame no Soup* (1995)
©Maki Kusumoto

Color proof paper for the book *Ren’aitan* (2001)
©︎Maki Kusumoto

Illustration from “Ch11” specially drawn for the magazine *DA VINCI* (2000)
©Maki Kusumoto

Related events

Planning on progress (It will be announced on this website later)

Book accompanying the exhibition

Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond

For the exhibition, a book that shows the essence of Maki Kusumoto’s work will be published.
The book contains interviews with Kusumoto, editors and designers, and contributions by splendid writers including Hiroshi Aramata, the director of Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Published by Landschaft
Designed by Kazunori Akita
Planned to be released at July 15, 2021.
*Information was updated on June 18th
Price: 2,200 yen (Tax included)
Size: A5 (128p)

We have special postcards for pre-order customers of the book. Please make a reservation for the book during June 10 (Thu) to July 12 (Mon) at the museum shop. The postcard comes with the book.
We will make shipment sequentially after the book published. (Japan domestic delivery only)
Or you can also receive the book at the museum shop.

two decades” Etching (Framed)
Limited 20 editions
Serial number and autograph of the author included. ~~66,000 JPY (Tax included)~~Sold out !!
Ikasama Umigame” and “NAJINAJI” Risograph
Limited 100 editions for each.
Serial number of the author included. Without autograph. 7,700JPY (Tax included)

In recent years, risograph has been attracting attentions in the field of contemporary art. They are made by a digital stencil printing method. Prepare screens which have tiny holes as many as number of colors, then print them over and over. On this print, 3 screens (for gold, black and white) are used.
*Risograph is different from lithograph.

Ikasama Umigame” Risograph (sample image.)

NAJINAJI” Risograph (sample image.)

Exhibition “Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond” original poster　
1,650 JPY (Tax included)

Exhibition “Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond”
original postcard (From “K no Soretsu”)　 4 types　220 JPY each (tax included)

Tote bag 　3,960JPY (Tax included)　 NEW 8/1～

Also, other books are on sales.

*More information will be announced later on MM twitter.

Artist Profile

Maki Kusumoto

She debuted as a professional manga artist in Weekly Margaret at the age of 16. Since then, she has gained an enthusiastic following with various works, such as “KISSxxxx” (Shueisha), “K no Soretsu” (Shueisha), and “Chishiryo Dolis” (Shodensha). In 2020, a new book Akashirotsurubami Ura/Kasei wa sabi de dekiteite akai no da (Shueisha) was published. Her books have also been published in France, Italy, the United States and Korea. She lives in the UK.

*Due to the spread of COVID-19, the schedule and content of the exhibition and museum closure can change. Thank you for your understanding.

Exhibitions & EventsMaki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond

Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond