What Color Can Say

Mihiro Oikawa

Emily Carr Alumni Association Graduation Award for Community Engagement — Honourable Mention

Mihiro Oikawa

Artiststatement

My painting practice is a space where intuition and emotion guide the process. I work expressively and instinctively, letting color, form, and texture lead me toward discoveries that feel honest and alive. The palettes I choose can either enhance or limit the emotional depth of a piece—so I let them shift depending on the mood I’m exploring.

A question that has stayed with me throughout this body of work is: How can something vibrant or mechanical still hold the warmth of imperfection or humanity? This question has shaped how I approach the canvas, encouraging me to blend structured, intentional elements with more spontaneous, organic gestures.

I’m drawn to the idea that imperfection isn’t a flaw, but a kind of energy or presence. Philosophies like wabi-sabi, which embrace impermanence and incompleteness, have deeply influenced how I think about beauty and value in my work.

At its core, my practice is about creating a dialogue between control and release—where precision and vulnerability exist side by side.