LIVE PAINT WEEK -HUMAN RACE FACING COVID-19-

Produced by: NOMAL Inc.

Location: Sumika, Tokyo, Japan

Paint Support: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.

This mural was created as part of a live painting project involving nine artists, centered on the theme “Humanity Facing COVID-19.”

Because of the weight of the theme, I did not decide what to paint until the night before the production.

The pandemic affected people in drastically different ways. While many experienced loss, isolation, and uncertainty—students, healthcare workers, restaurants, travel industries—others saw growth through shifting demands, such as hygiene product manufacturers, IT services, and digital entertainment.

At the same time, rising tensions surrounding vaccines, political distrust, and the decision to host global events deepened divisions and uncertainty across society.

What does it mean to “face COVID-19”?

The answer depends entirely on where you stand.

I hesitated to present a simple positive message, questioning whether it might unintentionally overlook or invalidate the reality of someone else’s experience.

From this, the central motif became two hands—either reaching toward each other, or letting go.

The left hand is composed of positive words, while the right hand carries negative ones, representing different perspectives coexisting within the same moment.

Rather than defining the gesture as connection or separation, the work leaves that interpretation open to the viewer.

Are the hands trying to connect, or have they already begun to drift apart?

A single line weaves through both hands, carrying a quiet intention—that even in division, there remains some form of connection.

In an increasingly complex and diverse world, differences in values are inevitable. But difference does not necessarily require division.

In a way, this also reflects the group of nine artists involved in this project. Each holds a distinct style and perspective, yet shares a common commitment to creation.

How we perceive the world, and how we choose to shape it.

To let go, or to hold on.

Still, somewhere beneath it all, we remain connected.