The Influence of Hans Bellmer on Japanese Manga

Artists and curators taking part in Drawing Room's exhibition programme are invited to compile ‘reading lists’ that inform and expand the themes explored in their work. This list has been selected by Sookyung Yoo, Researcher at International Manga Research Center of Kyoto Seika University (KSU), Manga instructor at KSU, Freelance manga artist, and Manga translator, for FIGURE/S: drawing after Bellmer, an exhibition that explores the body as a site of oppression, liberation and troubling pleasures through the work of modern and contemporary artists. Titles marked with an asterisk * are held in Outset Study.

Selected Manga artists include:

Kusumoto Maki

Kusumoto has been creating manga mostly for women since the 1980s. After her debut as a professional artist, she has been loved by many manga readers because of her unique and delicate drawing style. In a way, the linework of her manga is reminiscent of Bellmer's drawings; and doll drawings can be found in her manga. Kusumoto is currently living in London.

Tashima Sho’u

Tashima is a Manga artist. Multiple Personality Detective Psycho, one of his representative works, focuses on homicide. In this title, victims' bodies, which are usually female, bear similarities to Belmer's drawings and the cover illustrations often include the concept of dolls and severed body parts.

Miyanishi Keizo

An illustrator, manga artist, and musician, Miyanishi has been working as a professional manga artist and illustrator since 1973. He uses thin lines for his drawings and often, his works are very erotic or have a sensual feeling. Many artists and researchers connect his works to Bellmer's.

Furuya Usamaru

Furuya majored in fine art (oil painting) before becoming a manga artist. Amane Gymnasium, a recent work, is about a female doll artist and her seven sentient male dolls. The setting is a German Gymnasium (similar to secondary school/high school). Furuya has been working as a manga artist for over 20 years and has a strong reputation for beautiful illustrations. She often focuses on forbidden love or fetishes. One of her short manga stories is about love towards a doll.