My artwork explores the theme of adolescence when teenagers go through a confusing series of emotional changes. Through this artwork, I wish to depict teenagers stuck in the phase of denial in growing up and worrying about the neverending uncertainty about the future. The subject matter in this artwork reminisces the happy childhood days and is reluctant to move on, hence the dreamy and surreal feeling as she tries to escape reality.

Mental health is seen as a taboo subject in Japan, this is one of the factors contributing to Japan’s high suicide rates. Hence I wanted to understand about Yami Kawaii culture, a morbidity-laden cute fashion that places strong emphasis on mental sickness motifs. Through this fashion, people are able to express themselves and be more open about what they are going through. The two piece dress that I had made was hugely inspired by Yami Kawaii fashion and it is made from sewing different types of paper together.