Nananan Kiriko (b. 1972) is associated with la nouvelle manga, an international art movement that includes Japanese manga artists and French/Belgian creators of bande dessinée (comic books). The topics of la nouvelle manga arise from ordinary daily events. The artists eschew sensational genres such as science fiction or fantasy and focus instead upon the inherent drama of individuals fostering personal relationships and seeking meaning in their lives.

Nananan’s works are known for their crisp graphic design, which, the artist explains, is intended to convey a sense of emotional detachment and despair. Her characters exude a profound sense of beautiful fragility, which makes the pathos of her narratives all the more profound.

Displayed here is Nananan’s widely acclaimed work Blue in paperback format. A digital version of the text in its entirety can also be viewed on an iPad in the gallery.