Institute of Art Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire
Ireland’s campus for the Creative Industries
On Show 2020
Ellie Palmer

My project was based on the story of Izanami, the Japanese goddess of creation and death. Izanami and Izanagi created the islands of Japan. Izanami died while giving birth to the god of fire. In the myth, Izanagi traps her in the underworld and she vows to kill 1000 people a day if he left her. Izanagi divorced her and vowed to create 1500 people a day. I wanted to bring Izanami’s story to life and continue it in some way. The idea of reincarnation came to mind and I also began to do research Shintoism and traditional Japanese clothing. It was during this research I found out about Mikos or shrine maidens/priestesses. Part of their job is to communicate with the Gods so it fitted with my storyline and Akari was born.
More information and my process can be found on my art station: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/68n2ZV