April 2026: First Art, First Life

Deeply drawn to the worldview of flowers, birds, wind, and moonlight—a traditional subject in Japanese painting—I continue my creative practice.
I am particularly captivated by the rich, deep hues of mineral pigments and the delicate beauty of washi paper’s subtle bleed and receptive qualities, which anchor me within the expressive realm of Japanese painting.

In contemporary times, Japanese painting and Western painting seem primarily distinguished by the materials used. However, Japanese painting has always possessed its own unique expressive system, where materials and techniques are inseparable—techniques like gesso relief, thick impasto texture, ink bleed, blurring, and dripping. I feel that these distinctive techniques and the spirit of Japanese painting have gradually become diluted over time.

While respecting tradition, I aim to establish my own unique techniques rooted in my sensibilities, without remaining confined to tradition. Particularly, I pursue the expression of “light”—an aspect often undervalued in Japanese painting—and daily explore how to imbue tranquil compositions with a palpable presence of light.

My subjects are primarily landscapes and flowers, though I also favor depicting herons and butterflies, introducing them into my works as symbolic presences. These creatures serve as mediators connecting nature’s transience with the essence of life, and they represent the very focus of my own gaze.