"Urami Bushi"

Medium: Graphite pencils on 45x45cm-cardboard paper

"Urami Bushi" is a deeply emotional portrait that draws inspiration from its title, which translates to "Song of Grief" in Japanese. The piece reflects a quiet yet powerful intensity, capturing a gaze that feels both vulnerable and resolute. Her expression holds a mix of sadness, defiance, and contemplation, embodying the complex emotions of loss, longing, and unspoken strength.

The rawness of the charcoal on kraft paper gives the portrait a textured, almost haunting quality, while the delicate details in her eyes and lips bring an intimate humanity to the work. The subtle pin-like element in her hair adds a layer of narrative, hinting at an unseen story. For me, "Urami Bushi" is about resilience in the face of sorrow—a reflection on carrying grief and strength simultaneously.