Mariko Kusumoto, was born in 1967 in Kumamoto, Japan. She holds degrees from the Painting/Printmaking Department of Musashino Art College, Tokyo and in printmaking at the academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Read MoreHer work reflects various, observable phenomena that stimulate her mind and senses; they can be natural or man-made. Kusumoto 'reorganizes' them into a new presentation that can be described as surreal, amusing, graceful, or unexpected. A playful, happy atmosphere pervades her work. The artist always likes to leave some space for the viewer's imagination; Her hope is that the viewer experiences discovery, surprise, and wonder through her work.
Kusumoto’s metalwork incorporates found, representational imagery and is very involved and technically challenging. Her recent fabric pieces have developed with much experimentation and demonstrate an evolution from the properties of metal to something completely opposite. During the experimental process there is sometimes a breathtaking moment; The artist 'catches' those moments and develops ideas from that point. She likes the softness, gentle texture, and atmospheric (e.g., translucent) quality of the fabrics she uses. In all of her work there is always the insistence on skill and craftsmanship.
Mariko Kusumoto’S works are in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, The Kock Collection at the Swiss National Museum, Zurich, to name a few, as well as in numerous private collections like Jean Paul Gaultier and Robin William. Her works have been featured in numerous publications in the USA and beyond. Solo and group exhibitions are listed in her CV, which is available on demand.
Text courtesy Micheko Galerie.
