Abstract

Welcome to the miraculous labyrinth where masterpieces from all eras come together. Discover the untold stories behind the creation of Harada Maha's 'Revolver' and the birth of Yamazaki Mari's 'Thermae Romae'! Immerse yourself in the world of art with Maha and Mari as they share their favorite museums, recommended artists, and beloved artworks. This book takes you on a journey through the ultimate art museum created by two authors who are deeply passionate about art. From the origins of their art experiences to the present day, explore art history, the inspiration they've received from their favorite artists, behind-the-scenes of novel and manga creation, fascinating anecdotes about famous paintings, insider guides to their favorite museums, tips for appreciating paintings, and the unknown stories of artists. Join the endless art discussions fueled by the fantastical imaginations of these two creators. Why not venture into the labyrinth of famous paintings where their fantasies come to life like a bubbling spring?

Author’s Information

Harada Maha
Novelist. Born in Tokyo in 1962. Graduated from the Japanese Literature Department of Kwansei Gakuin University and the Art History Department of Waseda University's Second Literature Faculty. After working at the Maruyama Okyo Museum and Itochu Corporation, she was dispatched to the Museum of Modern Art in New York while working in the preparatory office for the Mori Building Mori Art Museum. She made her debut in 2005 by winning the Japan Love Story Grand Prize with "Waiting for Kafu". In 2012, she received the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize and the R-40 Hon'ya-san Award for "Canvas of Paradise", which became a bestseller. In 2016, "Gernika Behind the Curtain" won the R-40 Hon'ya-san Award, and in 2017, "Mr. Reach" won the Nitta Jiro Literary Award. Her other works include "Today, the Weather is Fine", "The Table of Giverny", "The Miracle of the Detroit Museum of Art", "Undulating but Never Sinking", "Permanent Exhibition Room", "Wind God and Thunder God", and many more.

Yamazaki Mari
Visiting Professor at Tokyo Zokei University. Born in Tokyo in 1967. In 1984, she moved to Italy and specialized in art history and oil painting at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. In 2010, she won the Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Award for Short Stories with "Thermae Romae". In 2015, she received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for the Arts. Her works include "Plinius" (co-authored with Tori Miki, Shinchosha), "Olympia Kyklos" (Shueisha), "Living Without Borders" (Shogakukan Shinsyo), "Viola Mother" (Bungeishunju), and more.