Self Portrait story.

I was previously influenced by Frida Kahlo and I drew a lot of self-portraits.

At the time I was a college student in Tokyo. I was working on preparations for a two-person exhibition to be held in Harajuku, Tokyo, with the late photographer Ryusei Nakamura（中村龍生）. The encounter with him also inspired me to paint portraits.

It took about half a year to prepare for the two-person exhibition. It was the first time for me to collaborate with another artist. There were many conflicts between us.

I have a portrait with a strong desire to live with paintings.

My work was not sold at the time of the exhibition. However, there was a customer who wanted to buy, for a very high price, but for some reason I didn't want sell it.

At the time, I also thought, "I want money." However, I don't think I want to sell it to this customer.

I thought to myself “Please take good care of it”.

It's been many years since then. I came to think that this painting wanted me to leave Japan. I also had a strong desire to go to Europe. That's why I eventually sold it online.

At that time, I had my own studio and gallery in Kyobashi, Tokyo. However, I was busy with daily operations. I was telling myself, I wanted a change in this situation and environment.

That feeling was the act that took me to selling the painting online.

No sooner did I put it up for auction than it was sold!

The buyer appeared without waiting for a long time. I let go of the self-portrait that I had for a long time. It made me very happy. I felt like I could leave now leave Japan and go to Europe.

The person who bought the painting lives in Taranto, Southern Italy.

The flow of the story in this painting reminds me of my original intentions. I am very grateful for this edge that the painting connects and now this place with this painting is my next artistic adventure!