“This painting is referencing Artemisia Gentileschi's iconic painting, ‘Judith Beheading Holofernes.’ My painting shows my mother as Judith, my grandmother as Abra, and the personification of Kabuki theater as Holofernes. This is a feminist autobiographical painting that expresses my frustration towards the Japanese patriarchy and how they have undermined incredible women like my mother and my grandmother. There are references to Yayoi Kusama, Nichiren's teachings of female-inclusive Buddhism, Kabuki theater, and famous fictive Japanese heroes scattered within the composition.”
— Izumi Miyazaki
