Statement

In Search of a Reason to Exist

 

Since childhood, I have often wondered:

"Why was I born?"

"Am I allowed to exist?"

I felt as if my existence could not be justified unless I had a reason or value to be here.

 

That is why I create imagined worlds, place girls within them, and assign them roles. These girls are not merely "cute figures" posing like portraits; they are engaged in some kind of action.

Their existence is justified by moving the world within the painting. In giving them this sense of purpose, I am, in a way, granting them the feeling I longed for as a child —— the assurance that they are allowed to exist.

 

Growing up surrounded by Japanese manga and animation, I have inevitably absorbed their influence. However, as a Japanese artist, I consciously reflect on these influences, depicting girls with character-like qualities in a highly realistic manner using oil painting. At times, I also place these girls within compositions inspired by traditional Japanese paintings. In the mysterious presence of these kawaii girls, one might perceive a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

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In recent years, I have explored the theme: "Even without meaning, existence remains." This has led me to create works depicting only the faces of beings.

A face is an emblem of individuality, yet it can also carry a sense of anonymity. The "beings" in this series have no clear narrative. And yet, they are undeniably there.

They exist without needing justification or purpose. This body of work is an attempt to affirm existence itself without meaning —— without roles, simply being.