Maiko Kanno

Maiko Kanno is a surrealist artist from Japan. After graduating from Tohoku Seikatsu Bunka University in 2006, she began developing her surrealist style of magical realism. Using young girls as her main motif, she has been highly praised for her careful brushwork in depicting the subtle emotions that lie between the reality of our daily lives and fantastical fantasies. Since moving in 2021 to Tono City, which is known as the "Home of Folktales", she has further immersed herself in the folkloric magic, myths, tales and beliefs which permeate her artwork.

Maiko has exhibited her work both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Sendai, Kyoto, Taiwan, South Korea, the UK, and the US. Her paintings are also known for the CD jacket for the rock band "Brian the Sun" and the design of the face of the Sendai City Transportation Bureau's IC card "Icsca." She is also a recipient of the Sasaki Kizen Award (Tono Cultural Encouragement Award).