Takuya-Inoue-Higa

I was born with ADHD and ASD, and I developed schizophrenia during my high school years. Since then, I have struggled with interpersonal relationships, finding it difficult to understand social conventions and unspoken cues, and to trust others. Loneliness has been a constant presence in my life. Even now, I continue to live while facing auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions. Still, I am able to feel moments of happiness in my own way. Through reading and physical exercise, I consciously support myself with reason, knowledge, and physical strength.

At the age of 21, I was fortunate to study abroad in Canada, where I was able to learn English and encounter different cultures. This experience of engaging with diverse values and expressions remains deeply meaningful to me. However, due to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, I eventually returned to Japan. After that, I moved to Tokyo and studied acting and voice training, learning forms of expression rooted in the body and emotion. These experiences have become a solid foundation for my current painting practice.

Around the age of 27, my health declined and I returned to Okinawa. For approximately eight years thereafter, I attempted to reintegrate into society through employment support programs, repeatedly entering and leaving jobs. During this time, I continued to search for a place where I belonged and for a form of expression that was truly my own.

I encountered the world of painting at the age of 36, after learning about disability art through YouTube. From that point on, I began creating artworks in a largely self-taught manner. I initially started with F3-sized canvases from a local dollar store, and over time, my practice has expanded to continuous production on B3-sized watercolor paper.

My creative process is strongly influenced by music. I repeatedly listen to the same piece through headphones while painting, allowing images, emotions, and messages that naturally arise to emerge on the surface. As I work, I seek coherence between these inner voices and the visual expression, gradually shaping the final piece.

I intend to continue painting and to challenge myself with larger-scale works in the future. I also hope to sustain my life through the sale of my art. If my work can resonate with someone, even in a small way, I would be deeply grateful.
Thank you very much for your support.