Cats at Every Turn:
Naoko Machida Picture Book Art Exhibition Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Sano Art Museum and the 85th Anniversary of the City of Mishima

Naoko Machida, a painter and picture book author, creates story worlds where fear and humor, beauty and mystery coexist, brought to life through her delicate brushwork and bold compositions.

Machida’s guiding motto is “Cats at Every Turn.” Cats appear throughout a wide range of stories—from fairy tales and folklore to ghost stories—sometimes as the protagonists, and sometimes in supporting roles. Meticulously rendered down to the texture of their fur, their gestures, and their expressions, Machida’s cats reveal both her keen powers of observation and her affectionate gaze toward these beloved animals.

This exhibition presents a selection of original picture book illustrations, book cover artwork, and rare sketches and other creative materials, spanning her career from her debut works to her most recent creations. Among the highlights are such representative works as "The Night of the Cat Claw," "The Cat with No Name," and "The Cat Stays Home," Also on view is a new work created specifically for this exhibition, inspired by the Sano Art Museum.