HAUNTING DOLLS

Japanese artist Mari Shimizu‘s gorgeous and haunting doll creations are absolutely captivating. Shimizu is entirely self taught and has been building these dolls since about 2000. Each of her dolls feels as if it is part of it’s own story, a shadowy vision we can only guess at. Some emerge from religious reliquaries, others cage tiny angels or bunnies in their hollow chests. Impossibly delicate and alive seeming. “Since my childhood, Japan has been full of cute, Kawaii character goods and was very different from dolls for children overseas. At that time, Japan longed mainly for Western antiques and was introduced to Japan including dolls. Overseas dolls were more real. I was not satisfied with Japanese childish things. I started making things that I wanted to get more realistic.”

[Source: Gloomthzine]

Discover more about Mari Shimizu on her website 

ALL IMAGES © MARI SHIMIZU