Finding Wisdom Within Grief

This collection consists of artworks depicting losses I have experienced in recent years: the deaths of a mentor, a neighbor, and clients; the loss of culture and cultural identity; and the loss of health. These pieces also explore different types of grief reactions I have experienced in relation to these losses, such as complex grief, anticipatory grief, prolonged grief, and disenfranchised grief.

Using mixed media and printmaking techniques, I intentionally created some artworks on a smaller scale. Viewers must get physically close to the pieces in order to see the details, reflecting the intimate and personal nature of the grieving process. The creative process of making these pieces was healing for my grief and losses, especially because of the textures of the materials. I found comfort in the softness of fabrics and the strength of the threads I incorporated. The use of Japanese printmaking methods reminded me of my memories of growing up in Japan and reconnected me to an important lesson I received from my ancestors and parents: Grieving is to be done together with others.

The collection invites viewers to witness my grief, as well as their own, through mine, serving as a gateway to reflect and engage in dialogue about loss and grief. When we grieve together, we come to understand that loss is part of life—that we all go through it. How can we make space to talk about loss and grief as a community, instead of seeing them as issues to be discussed privately with a therapist or as problems to be resolved? What if an art gallery could serve as a space to witness, understand, and create room for grieving together?

I am not used to grieving alone.

Should anyone?

2024 - Present