Dakimakura: Io, 2024

Grace Atkinson's ever-evolving practice exhibits an utmost meticulousness, remarkable artistic deftness as well as the artist’s deep well of thoughtfulness and feeling. Dakimakura (daki = embrace, makura = pillow) are large cushions found in Japan with the purpose of being slept with or gently held. In the 1990s, dakimakura became intertwined with the Otaku culture, resulting in the contemporary dakimakura we recognize today: large cushions with depictions of anime characters. Dakimakura Io is an interpretation of this, depicting particular anime characters that have ignited a sense of restorative nostalgia for Atkinson. Made of silk, black onyx, green onyx, feathers, polyester ribbon and cotton thread, these soft works are expressions of philosophical comfort and physic embrace.

Year: 2024

Material: Silk, black onyx, green onyx, feathers, polyester ribbon, cotton thread

Dimensions: W 17 1/2 x D 11 x H 5 in