Mariko Kusumoto
I was perusing a book called “The Metalsmith’s Book of Boxes & Lockets,” which is full of fascinating things, particularly the work of Mariko Kusumoto. Seeing her work for the first time was one of those jaw-dropping moments, a why have I not seen this before, heartbeat-skipping moment. I’ve realized that I’m terribly particular about many things, especially art and music, but when I do find something I like it’s this instant, visceral recognition of something that resonates with me for some unexplainable reason.
Kusumoto makes metal box sculptures which are often interactive. I could write at length comparing her work to that of Joseph Cornell (my old favorite!) but that would be boring, so here are some images instead:
Eleven of Mariko Kusumoto’s works will be shown in her solo exhibition “Mariko Kusumoto: Unfolding Stories” at Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts from May 22, 2010 through August 8, 2010. The artist will be giving a related lecture at the Museum on June 27, 2010 and the vitrine will come off one of the objects so she can ‘open’it for the audience, unveiling the sections and pieces. The exhibition will be shown at the Racine Art Museum in Racine, WI at a later date.