Nandeyanen
In Osaka, Japan where I am from, “Nandeyanen” is a popular term. In the Japanese stand-up comedy scene known as Manzai, comedians relay jokes through acts of storytelling. Nandeyanen is a colloquialism meaning, “why the heck?”; it is a term associated with fun and laughter and a way in my culture to overcome life’s challenges. Since moving to Dublin more than 4 years ago, this term has remained with me. It has enabled me to laugh, smile and adapt to a new world, even when times were challenging and formidable. This work, a series of self-portraits, utilises techniques of collage and paper craft, and integrates the spirit of Nandeyanen as a way to communicate this pivotal chapter in my life.
