Namazu-e for 2011

One month has passed since enormous earthquake and tsunami ravaged northeast Japan.

For the last four weeks I have been thinking about the fragility of the high-tech civilization, of its dependence on electricity and about the immense power of a global communication. What saddened me the most, was the irreparable loss of people, as the loss of a single individual in the unity called modern culture is destructive for many.

"That's Enough, Namazu!" © Zuza Miśko 2011

It seems utterly senseless to be angry at the Nature and the Japanese have been showing an unusual composure in the face of the tragedy. 
Still, giving a shape to Nature's destructive powers can give a vent and in the olden days Namazu was the one to blame. Namazu was a giant catfish living under the earth, who would cause earthquakes by sudden movements of his body. That demon became especially popular when a series of earthquakes struck Japan (mainly Edo which is now Tokyo) in mid 19th century, when artists produced numerous Namazu-e, a kind of Ukiyo-e with images of Namazu being punished for the earthquake. 

Mythic creatures and folk demons are my inspiration, as I am an animation director-turned-illustrator, always trying to tell a fairytale. 'Japanese Mythology' book with Namazu on the cover was on my desk when the earthquake struck.

'Japanese Mythology' by Jolanta Tubieleweicz, image © Zuza Miśko 2011

I have plenty of my own nation’s demons to draw and a gaijin-made namazu-e seemed inappropriate at first but the strong aftershock, that struck northeast Japan last Thursday, made my Slavic blood boil. It happened at the time, when things were getting better in Japan and I was pleasantly chasing after rainbows with Hifana.

I came back from work with the picture of Rusałka, trying to tame Namazu, in my head. Rusałkas are female demons from Slavic folklore, who dwell in lakes and mountains. They are usually seductive and dangerous so she seemed strong enough.

Sketches for "That's Enough, Namazu!" © Zuza Miśko 2011

When I finished the work on my namazu-e today, the news of another strong quake in Japan arrived.

"That Is Enough, Namazu!" will be available as a giclee print on archival paper, hand-signed, in a limited edition of 30. Please pre-order in my temporary shop ZUZAMADE. 
50% proceedings go to Japanese Red Cross.

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