The Aquatic Fabric Sculptures of Mariko Kusumoto

Sea anemones, tulips, algae, jellyfish, corals, and fossilized shells–Mariko Kusumoto’s creations share a common thread: they all represent the animal or plant kingdoms and appear to float dreamily.

Born in Kumamoto, Mariko Kusumoto grew up in a Buddhist temple on the island of Kyushu before studying art in Tokyo and later in the United States. Now based in Massachusetts, where she lives and works, Mariko Kusumoto has a favorite medium: textiles.

From Steel to Fabric

Using translucent polyester and nylon fiber, she crafts her miniature reproductions of nature. This is achieved through the Japanese flower-folding technique known as tsumami zaiku, developed during the Edo period (1603-1868). The technique involves folding square pieces of fabric with tweezers to create the desired shape, most often flowers. Sometimes, these works are transformed into jewelry like necklaces or earrings.

Though Mariko Kusumoto is now celebrated for her textile work, including a collaboration with Jean-Paul Gaultier for the Spring-Summer 2019 Haute Couture collection, she didn’t always work with this medium. Until 2013, she primarily created metal works, including surrealist-style dioramas.

Mariko Kusumoto’s work can be found on her Instagram account or on her website.