2019

This painting is my self portrait. Painting myself was an interesting process that enabled me to examine myself objectively. This painting is a version of me in Japan being raised in a conservative Japanese culture. In the background, the images of "temari" (hand balls) are floating in the air with hidden lights and energy that evoke the invisible and spiritual world of my ancestors. These colorful “temari” represent hopes and wishes for a carefree and happy life as a female within my family and Japanese society. Painting my self portrait helped me to reflect on my cultural roots to better understand myself.