Tomoyo Haya

Ninjye 3 (mixed media drawings on Japanese paper, 2020) was produced in the midst of the pandemic and lockdown in Vancouver.  Ninjye is a Tibetan word, which is used frequently among Tibetans. It means ‘I feel your pain. Sorry to hear that.’ It is not a word that expresses pity for somebody or some situations, but more like sharing empathy as if one feels the other’s pain like one’s own.  To me ninjye is a very important word that combines compassion with empathy.  

When the pandemic rapidly turned our everyday lives upside down, I witnessed so much suffering among the countries where I have travelled many times and have deep connections with many people, both the emotional and mental impact I felt in my body was so strong that I could barely move.   Although there was no fixed schedule or agenda anymore and I had open hours to work in my studio, my body felt like it was made out of metal.  

The experience of the pandemic has been an opportunity to revisit (my) mind and to examine what the most important in one’s and others’ lives.  Like this drawing, the metaphor of feeling metaphoric expression of feeling somebody’s pain, I came to reconfirm that the most important value of living is to feel empathy, compassion and to share.  

And living more humbly and slowly enables me to maintain the important inner values. 

Born and raised in Tsu City, Mie, Japan.  A permanent resident of Canada since 2000. 

After studying studio arts a number of universities in Canada, Tomoyo Ihaya obtained a M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) from University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2002.  She has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally since 1998 and a recipient of numerous awards and grants for artists. 

“I have always had a strong urge to interpret and represent the reasons to live and die and to mourn/pray for those who died in struggle.  My visual expression is my way of communicating empathy and is a form of prayer.  I believe that this personal offering and social activism has made me more aware of the many sources of suffering globally. “