Malbeni Akane is an Okinawa born Japanese illustrator based in Tokyo. Her bold and colorful illustrations feature whimsical and fantastical elements exploding into an otherwise mundane, every day life environment, offering jarring but interesting juxtapositions.

I was first introduced to the artist’s works through Illustration 2019, an annual publication that collects the very best Japanese illustrators working in the industry.

(image above) I always love it when Japanese art books showcase photographs of the artist’s workspace and collection of books; often offering big hints on their creative influences and likes. Here the bookshelf of Malbeni shows quite a good number of art books which I love and have also reviewed on my blog – The Making Of Shin Godzilla art book; the Making Of Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel; Otomo Katsuhiro’s manga Domu; Sky Ema Illustration Collection and Art Works; and an unknown title by Nakamura Yusuke.

I really adore the artist’s bold and colorful illustration style as well as the intermix of mundane/fantastical themes for her narratives. I look forward to seeing more of her art work in the future. Recommended.

“Malbeni Akane Illustration Works Art Book 丸紅 茜” details :

Dimensions – 26.3 x 19.3 x 2.7 cm
Soft cover, 192 pages
Full color, in Japanese

Buy From Amazon.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

You might also be interested in these items :