An exhibition of original artwork from the picture book "Ezo Shika" (The Ezo Deer), released by MAYA MAXX in November 2024, is currently being held at Niwa Gallery on Odori Nishi 17-chome. After moving to a nature-rich area of Iwamizawa, she had unexpected encounters with wild animals. Her original drawings vividly depict these animals living in a world different from, yet connected to, our own. They seem to carry an important message that she wanted many people to receive today.

The original cover art for "Ezo Shika"

MAYA MAXX was known for her diverse activities, including holding solo exhibitions across Japan, appearing on television, and conducting workshops. In 2020, she moved from Tokyo and set up a studio in the Miruto district of Iwamizawa City. Since then, she has initiated projects to paint murals in the town and held exhibitions in the building of the closed former Miruto Junior High School. In November 2024, her picture book "Ezo Shika," born from her life in the Miruto district where she felt close to wild animals, was published as part of Fukuinkan Shoten's "Kodomo no Tomo" series.

In the "Author's Note" included in the picture book's insert, she wrote about her life in Iwamizawa: "Perhaps because summer is short, I am moved by how all the plants, insects, and animals live to their fullest, dedicating their time to simply fulfilling their roles. Amidst this, wild animals are so much closer than one could imagine in the city, and when I see them, even as an adult, I tremble with joy and surprise."

The Ezo red fox she first encountered

Ezo squirrels peeking in through the window, Steller's sea eagles soaring majestically in the sky. And the brown bears, which are increasingly sighted even in Sapporo (and which one would rather not encounter).

Exhibition view. The wooden artwork displayed in the center is "The Scenery I Couldn't See Before," created in 2020.

And then, the Ezo deer.

The moment of encountering the Ezo deer, conveying the artist's breathtaking awe (Photo: 3KG)

The magnificent antlers that fascinated MAYA MAXX

In the picture book, she expresses her great surprise that a male deer's antlers regrow every year. This is a fact that many people might not know. (I was surprised when I first learned it too!) The Ezo deer's antlers fall off around April to May, and new ones begin to grow immediately, reaching nearly a meter long by autumn (the breeding season). Apparently, they don't branch out in the first year but start branching from the second or third year.

While the picture book with its accompanying text is wonderful, the original artwork, which dynamically captures the raw life force of the Ezo deer that so moved MAYA MAXX, seems to speak more profoundly than words. Nature is harsh, yet the animals she draws have sparkling eyes, living each moment to the fullest. Many visitors to the exhibition were observed carefully viewing each piece, as if in dialogue with the art.

Furthermore, the exhibition concludes with a display of "Ezo Shika" drawings by Ichika Sasaki, a student in the special support class at Iwamizawa Municipal Maple Elementary School. MAYA MAXX had been holding annual workshops at the school, and after donating a copy of "Ezo Shika," Ichika became fascinated with the animals in the book and drew them. MAYA MAXX was so impressed by her drawings that they decided to exhibit them together.

It feels as though the surprise and joy that MAYA MAXX expressed through her art have passed through Ichika's heart and been re-expressed as Ichika's own surprise and joy. It's truly wonderful, so please be sure to see it at the venue.

A wide range of merchandise is also available. I want the canvas print of the "Ezo Shika" cover art (18,000 yen including tax + shipping) shown in the upper left!

Although MAYA MAXX passed away from an illness on January 9, 2025, the works she left behind will continue to live on, forging new encounters with audiences for years to come. The animals are incredibly endearing, so please go and see them.

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

The Niwa Building, which houses Niwa Gallery, also contains D&DEPARTMENT HOKKAIDO by 3KG, the picture book and toy store "Robanoko," and "Niwa Kitchen," which features different chefs on different days. Be sure to enjoy these along with the exhibition!