10 Questions with Hiromi Aoki

Hiromi Aoki is a pointillist artist based in Yokohama, Japan. Using a 0.3mm pen, she creates intricate works composed of tens of thousands of dots to express memory, emotion, and quiet strength. Having grown up in a difficult environment, she experienced deep emotions and a sense of solitude that were hard to express in words. This naturally led her to the silent, meditative language of dots. Each dot she places is a quiet conversation with her inner self. For two years, she was dedicated to caring for individuals living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and she has also been actively involved in raising awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa. Through these experiences—witnessing the invisible strength and quiet dignity of those facing severe challenges—her artistic voice and mission have deepened. Her works have been exhibited in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and even at UNESCO World Heritage sites. With each piece, she continues to create with a heartfelt wish to bring healing, hope, and courage to those who are struggling in life.

lit.link/aokihiromi | @kumagoma

INTERVIEW

First of all, can you tell us about your background and how you first started making art?

I created my first true artwork when I was 19. I grew up in a troubled household with a father suffering from a gambling addiction, and my childhood was filled with emotional unrest. In the midst of that chaos, drawing became my only refuge. It was as natural as breathing—an extension of myself. In March 2021, I happened to show one of my works to a friend.Moved to tears, they told me, "It's such a waste to keep something this beautiful hidden away. You need to share this with the world." Encouraged by those words and the support of many friends, I held my first solo exhibition in November of that year at a gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo. At the exhibition, several people were moved to tears by my work. It was then I truly realized—my art has the power to heal. Since then, I've held five solo exhibitions, each one bringing heartwarming encounters that feel nothing short of miraculous. In November 2024, I exhibited at Hōryū-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in April 2025, I had the opportunity to showcase my work in New York.

What drew you specifically to pointillism and the use of a 0.3mm pen?

I didn't begin creating pointillism out of admiration for the style. It became my form of expression as a result of surviving an intense and painful family environment. When I was 15, my father abandoned our family and disappeared. Soon after, my older brother developed a mental illness and was in and out of psychiatric hospitals. My mother and I lived in constant fear—there were times when my brother threatened us with a knife, and we genuinely feared for our lives. Amid that unbearable tension, I developed an eating disorder. My mind and body were completely worn down. Unable to speak of my suffering to anyone, I quietly began placing dot after dot on paper. Through that process, I projected and processed the chaos and pain within me. Pointillism became my sanctuary—a vital way for me to survive.

You often speak of dots as a meditative language. What does this process mean to you personally?

During the most difficult times, drawing was a way for me to bring the world in my mind into form and, at the same time, heal my heart. Today, placing each dot one by one has become more than just a means of comfort—it is a quiet and essential act of facing myself and reflecting on my inner world.

How did your upbringing influence the emotions and themes you explore in your work?

Looking back on my life, I strongly feel that I'm alive today because of pointillism. The reason I can now create art that resonates with people's hearts is that I've endured and overcome a painful and difficult family environment. There was a time when I harboured resentment toward my father and brother, but now, those feelings have faded. I simply hope that my father is alive somewhere out there. It's precisely because I've gone through so much pain that I now feel compelled to use the power of art to raise awareness and support for Epidermolysis Bullosa, and to gently stand beside those who are struggling to live.

Your time caring for people with ALS and raising awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa has deeply shaped your art. How do these experiences come through in your pieces?

My encounters with individuals living with ALS and Epidermolysis Bullosa have been profound turning points in my life. One EB patient once told me, "Just being known—just having people become aware of us—gives us hope to live." Those words deeply resonated with my own past struggles, and they continue to pierce my heart even now. The ALS patient I cared for was unable to speak due to a ventilator, but they communicated through subtle mouth movements and a transparent letter board, used slight finger movements to operate an air remote, and even created music and design with just the movement of their gaze. Rather than stopping, they continued to move forward—and witnessing that gave me immense courage time and time again. Each time a work born from these encounters touches someone's heart, I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness.

How do you approach creating a new artwork, from the first idea to the final dot?

When something moves my heart, a whole world suddenly expands in my mind, and I feel an irresistible urge to draw. I value that honest emotion I feel in that moment more than anything, and I express it through my work. I don't create based on calculated thought — I follow the voice of my heart when I draw.

Many of your works convey quiet strength and emotional depth. What emotions or stories do you hope viewers take away from your art?

You are free to feel however you wish about my work — but if it can bring healing or hope to someone's life, that would be the greatest joy for me as an artist.

Do you see your work as a form of healing, for yourself, for others, or both?

Yes, throughout my journey as an artist, I've seen many people find comfort and healing through my work. Witnessing those moments has been a profound source of healing for me as well. I am truly filled with gratitude for everyone who supports me from the heart.

You've exhibited internationally, including at UNESCO World Heritage sites. How has that experience impacted you as an artist?

At the Hōryū-ji Art Festival ceremony, I had the honour of meeting Mr Akira Masaoka, a descendant of the renowned poet Shiki Masaoka. Having the opportunity to exhibit my work in such a sacred place allowed me to receive so muchpositive energy. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

What are you currently working on, and what direction do you see your art taking in the future?

After experiencing an exhibition in New York, I strongly felt how deeply my work resonates with people—not only in Japan but also around the world. This realization has given me great confidence. Moving forward, I hope to actively participate in exhibitions not only in Japan but also internationally. I believe that, regardless of nationality, there are many people who struggle with emotional pain or a sense of isolation. If my work can offer even a small sense of healing or hope to those individuals, I would be truly grateful. At the same time, I will continue my unwavering efforts to raise awareness and support for individuals living with Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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