Molly Maine: A Journey Through Art, Nomadism, and the Concept of Home
Molly Maine, a British illustrator known for her bold and travel-inspired artwork, is a storyteller in the truest sense. Her creative journey spans across 50 countries, influenced by the diverse cultures and landscapes she has encountered during her nine years as a digital nomad. Maine's art blends hand-drawn and digital techniques, capturing the essence of cultural exchange and exploration. But beneath the vibrant surface of her work lies a deeper, more personal story—one of belonging, identity, and the shifting notion of "home."
Having studied at both Falmouth University and Nagoya University of Art in Japan, Maine’s work has been shaped by a blend of Western and Eastern influences. This fusion of cultures is evident in her distinctive style, which combines bold, graphic illustrations with a soft, almost meditative sensitivity to place and memory.
The Digital Nomad's Dilemma: What is Home?
As a digital nomad, Maine has been living without a permanent address for almost a decade, moving from place to place, always seeking new inspiration. Her travels, however, have led her to a deeper reflection on the idea of home—a question that many modern nomads grapple with.
In a world where global mobility has become increasingly accessible, the notion of "home" is no longer tethered to a fixed location. For Maine, the question has been a constant thread in her life and work: Where do we truly belong? What does "home" mean when you’re always on the move?
"NOMAD: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan"
Maine’s latest exhibition, "NOMAD: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan", draws from her personal experience as a digital nomad and her recent artist residency in Kanazawa, Japan. The exhibition explores the evolving concept of "home" within the context of contemporary Japan, juxtaposing the transient lives of digital nomads with the country’s deeply rooted cultural traditions.
Japan, with its ageing population and shifting societal norms, is undergoing a cultural transformation, where an increasing number of people are leaving their hometowns. At the same time, Japan has introduced a digital nomad visa to attract remote workers, positioning itself as one of the world's fastest-growing remote working hubs.
Maine’s work invites the viewer to reflect on this juxtaposition—of transience and tradition, of global mobility and generational ties to place. In a country where home has long been defined by family roots and a strong sense of place, what happens when those ties are loosened by the growing wave of nomadic lifestyles?
A Personal Lens on a Changing Japan
Maine’s time in Kanazawa was pivotal in the creation of her new body of work. She visited the earthquake-stricken Noto Peninsula, where the devastating effects of the Noto earthquake left many people displaced, forced to leave their homes out of necessity. Her interactions with evacuees and the stories she gathered during her time in Japan directly influenced her artwork. These personal connections, combined with her own experiences as a nomad, provide a rich, multi-layered foundation for the exhibition.
"As someone who’s lived nomadically for almost a decade, the idea of ‘home’ is something I’ve constantly questioned,” says Maine. “This exhibition is a way of exploring that question through the lens of contemporary Japan, a place that continues to shape and inspire my artwork.”
Exhibition Highlights and Collaborative Work
"NOMAD" features a collection of ten pieces of illustration that explore the intersection of cultural mobility and tradition. A standout piece in the exhibition is a collaborative artwork with Yu Yamagishi , a Japanese artist and evacuee from the Noto earthquake. This unique piece blends Maine’s modern design with Yamaguchi’s traditional lacquered tea container and gold leaf engravings, symbolizing the merging of the old and new.
A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will go toward recovery efforts in the Noto region through the Ishikawa Prefectural Community Chest, highlighting Maine’s commitment to using her art to support both local and global causes.
A Global Conversation: The Future of Work and Travel in Japan
The exhibition is co-sponsored by Colive Fukuoka, a leading voice in the digital nomad movement in Japan. Ryo Osera, founder of Colive Fukuoka and executive officer of the Japan Digital Nomad Association, provides insight into Japan’s evolving work culture and the new digital nomad visa. Osera’s collaboration with Maine adds another layer to the exhibition, offering a unique perspective on how work and travel are changing the concept of home in Japan.
Looking Ahead: A Global Tour
Following its London debut at 67 York Street Gallery from July 4-13, 2025, "NOMAD" will travel to Japan, where it will be shown at lyf Tenjin in Fukuoka , and later in Tokyo. The exhibition’s global journey reflects the themes of mobility and cultural exchange, resonating with a broader audience and sparking conversations about belonging, identity, and the fluid nature of “home” in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about the exhibition, private view invitations, or to purchase limited-edition prints, visit Molly Maine's website: www.mollymaineillustration.com.
