An exhibition of original illustrations from the picture book "Ezo Deer" by MAYA MAXX, published in November 2024, is currently being held at the Niwa Gallery on Odori Nishi 17-chome. While living in the nature-rich area of Iwamizawa, she unexpectedly encountered wild animals. The original illustrations, which vividly depict animals that live in a world different from humans but connected to the earth, seem to contain an important message that many people should receive now.

Original cover art for "Ezo Sika"

MAYA MAXX is known for her diverse activities, including solo exhibitions across the country, television appearances and workshops. Since moving from Tokyo in 2020 and setting up an atelier in the Biruto district of Iwamizawa City, she has been painting pictures in the town and holding exhibitions in the school building of the former Biruto Junior High School, which has since been closed. In November 2024, her picture book "Ezo Deer," inspired by her life in the Biruto district, where wild animals are close to home, was published as part of Fukuinkan Shoten's "Kodomo no Tomo" series.

In the "Words from the Author" included in the picture book's supplement, the author writes about life in Iwamizawa, "Perhaps because the summers are short, I am moved by how the plants, insects, and animals all cherish their time and live their lives simply doing their best to fulfill their roles. Meanwhile, wild animals are closer to me than would be possible in the city, and even I, an adult, tremble with joy and amazement when I see them."

The first fox she met

There are Hokkaido squirrels peeking in through the window, Steller's sea eagles flying leisurely through the sky, and even in Sapporo there have been numerous sightings of brown bears (something you would rather not encounter).

The venue view. The wooden work on display in the center is "Unseen Landscapes" created in 2020.

And Ezo deer.

The breathtaking scene of the artist's encounter with a Ezo deer (photo provided by 3KG)

The magnificent horns that captivated MAYA MAXX

In the picture book, the author talks about how surprised she is to learn that male antlers grow back every year, but I think many people don't know this. (I was also surprised when I first learned this!) Ezo deer antlers fall off in April or May, and new antlers start growing right away, growing to nearly 1m by autumn (the breeding season). By the way, they don't branch when they're one year old, but start branching when they're two or three years old.

The picture book with the words is also wonderful, but the original paintings that dynamically depict the "life" of the Ezo deer that touched MAYA MAXX's heart seem to speak more than words. Nature is harsh, but the animals she draws have sparkling eyes and are living this moment to the fullest. Many visitors to the exhibition looked closely at each picture, as if they were having a conversation with it.

Finally, there is an exhibit of "Ezo Deer" drawn by Ichika Sasaki, a student in the special needs class at Maple Elementary School in Iwamizawa City. MAYA MAXX donated "Ezo Deer" to Maple Elementary School because she holds a workshop there every year. Ichika was interested in the animals that appear in the picture book and drew one of them, which made a big impression on MAYA MAXX, so they decided to display them together.

The surprise and joy that MAYA MAXX expressed through her painting seems to pass through Ichika's heart and be expressed as Ichika's own surprise and joy; it is truly amazing, so please come and see it at the venue.

There are also plenty of goods available. I want the canvas print of the original cover of "Ezo Deer" shown in the upper left (18,000 yen including tax + shipping)!

MAYA MAXX passed away on January 9, 2025 due to illness, but I believe that the works she left behind will live on and continue to meet new audiences. The animals are so adorable, so please go and see them.

The book corner outside the venue. This is the most convenient place to get a copy of "Ezo Sika."

The Niwa Building which houses the Niwa Gallery also houses D&DEPARTMENT HOKKAIDO by 3KG, Robanoko, a picture book and toy specialty store, and Niwa Kitchen, where the chef changes depending on the day, so be sure to enjoy these places along with the exhibition!