Having grown up in Tokyo, Junko Mizuno is a self-taught artist and cartoonist recognized for her unique visual iconography of powerful and often sexy women.

Although her art refuses to be categorized, much of it is based on Japanese pop culture from the '70s and '80s with the sources of her inspiration stemming from fetish art, folk art, religious art, psychedelic art, pin-up art, advertising art, vintage toys, fashion, comics, food, nature, movies, TV shows, video games… almost everything that surrounds her.

Mizuno’s manga, which have been translated in multiple languages, include the books Cinderella, Junko Mizuno’s Princess Mermaid, Junko Mizuno’s Hansel and Gretel, and Pure Trance. Currently residing in San Francisco, she is constantly working on new comics, paintings, illustrations, and product designs ranging from toy figures to T-shirts. Her art has been featured in stores, museums, and fine art galleries around the world.

Motivated by the pure pleasure of creating art, she celebrates the power of women and creates a universe of them, full of energy, both positive and negative. 

Mizuno will be interviewed by manga scholar, journalist, and CCA MFA Comics faculty member Deb Aoki, followed by a short reception. This event is free and open to the public.

7-8:30pm – a reading and a conversation with Deb Aoki in Timken Hall

8:30-10pm – a reception and signing in the Nave Presentation space

Timken Hall, 1111 8th Street 

The Nave Presentation Space is adjacent to Timken Hall [View Campus & Main Building Map]

[Content warning: This presentation could contain images that are NSFW.]