Anatomy and Ancient Sea Creatures Converge in Hiné Mizushima’s Felt Sculptures
Group of anatomical felt brooches. All images courtesy of Hiné Mizushima, shared with permission
Anatomy and Ancient Sea Creatures Converge in Hiné Mizushima’s Felt Sculptures
July 22, 2025
ArtCraftNature
Kate Mothes
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From the spiral shells of prehistoric ammonites to uncanny depictions of organs and fish, Hiné Mizushima has a knack for combining cuteness and humor with the unusual and unseen. The Vancouver-based artist (previously) continues to create vibrant dioramas and wall sculptures that toy with textiles, anatomy, and taxidermy.
Using felt, sequins, embroidery thread, and yarn, Mizushima builds colorful displays of coral, animals, and botanicals. A mounted moray eel, for example, mimics a natural history display, showing a cutaway of its belly revealing a—rather lively—baby eel.
“Squids”
Recently, the artist also sewed a series of brooches in the form of microscopic organisms like Daphnia and Paramecium and anatomical human organs. Nerves and blood vessels extend along the root and crown of a tooth, complete with a filled cavity.
Mizushima is currently preparing for a group show at Ranbu Gallery in Osaka this fall, plus another group exhibition at Beinart Gallery in Melbourne in early 2026. The artist looks forward to experimenting with some new craft techniques and focusing on her Etsy shop, where original pieces and prints are available for purchase. Explore more on her website, Instagram, and Behance.
Anatomical felt brooch
“Anatomical Moray Eel”
Detail of “Anatomical Moray Eel”
“Phantom Squid”
“Ammonite”
Anatomical felt brooch
“Turtleback Twin Beasts”
Anatomical felt brooch
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