Maru Yacco (Japan)

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Maru Yacco, a Tokyo-based artist, crafts a universe filled with performances, drag, cosplay, and multimedia elements. Her artistry transcends traditional mediums, encapsulating the vast trans universe. Yacco‘s works, vibrant with distinctive characters and stories, manifest across various forms—from books to murals. Her “cute-ification” approach demonstrates the boundless scope of queering, merging fantasy and creation. Infused with Japanese pop culture and folklore, her pieces touch on identity, sexuality, and gender, striking a balance between whimsy and depth. A cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ art scene of Japan and Asia, Yacco‘s work not only challenges societal norms but also exuberantly uplifts diversity and inclusion. 

Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney with generous support from the National Center for Art Research, Japan.