Belle: The Art of Junko Mizuno

Atomica Gallery, in association with Comica Festival, are currently showing “Belle: The Art of Junko Mizuno”, a retrospective solo exhibition from celebrated Japanese artist Junko Mizuno. Bringing together a collection of original paintings, rare limited edition prints, iconic gig silk-screen posters and other works from throughout her esteemed career, “Belle” is the first ever showing of Mizuno’s work in London. I attended the opening night, along with a few of the comics fraternity and took a few shots, I also bought one of Junko's limited edition prints which will soon be on my wall.

Junko Mizuno by Steve Cook
Born in Japan and currently residing in San Francisco, Mizuno is a self-taught artist who is recognized for her unique style of powerful and erotic female imagery. Juxtaposing childlike cuteness and horror, her psychedelic female characters exude positive energy and playful sexuality. Submerged in 70s Japanese cute-culture whilst growing up in Tokyo, Mizuno is also inspired by countless other pop-cult sources including toys, comics, food and music, as well as fetish, folk and religious art.

The evening began with an amusing intro by Jonathan Ross who is a keen advocate of Junko's work.

Manko, Jason Atomic and Junko

Someone was sporting a tattoo of one of Junko's illustrations.

Jessica S Kemp was there too. Check her blog.

Rian Hughes and David Hine.

Vikki Liogier and Jessica S Kemp.

Manko and Junko.