I'm panipogi, from Kumamoto Prefecture. I mainly paint animal pictures. The concept behind my paintings is to express the adorable parts of animals through art. I have loved drawing since I was little, and for two years in high school, I worked on elective art subjects such as oil paintings and charcoal drawings. Many classmates in the art elective class went on to art university, and the environment was very stimulating, but I myself went on to a completely different field and hadn't painted for a while since.
It was around 2024 that I started painting again. Moreover, it was a challenge to create digital illustrations that I had never drawn or experienced before. At first, I couldn't use the tools well and could only draw doodles, but as I kept drawing with passion, my current style developed. Thankfully, since I started posting my works on social media, I've had more opportunities to be approached and participate in exhibitions and other events.
InterviewFeatured Artist
What left a particular impression on me was the group exhibition I participated in in Tottori Prefecture, which I participated in shortly after I started painting. I was surprised when I was first approached, but at the same time, I was very happy. Actually exhibiting the works and having many people see them in person is a great experience, even looking back now.
Also, as is still ongoing, receiving comments from people around the world who have seen my works on social media is one of the most memorable experiences. The fact that people from different languages and cultures can sense something from seeing my paintings is a great motivation to keep drawing. Being able to connect with people from distant countries through my works while in Japan is a unique wonder unique to the digital age. It is an irreplaceable experience that lets you truly feel that works are being delivered across borders.
I get asked a lot, but I don't think there's any clear trigger for it. One day, I suddenly decided to try drawing again. Even though I had been away from painting for a long time, I find it a bit strange that those feelings naturally arose within me.
Looking back, the desire to paint may have always been somewhere in my heart. It's hard to put into words what triggered it, but now I feel glad I started drawing that day.
There are all kinds of creatures on Earth, and I believe every living being has its own adorable qualities. I always work with the hope that I can express that adorable charm through my drawings. Not only among certain popular animals, but even among creatures that usually go overlooked, there is always a charm that brings a smile to your face.
I want to carefully capture those moments and share them with those who see them. When finishing a single painting, I think about which angle of the creature is the most adorable and which expression will resonate with the viewer while painting. If through painting, people can discover the charm of creatures we often overlook, nothing could make us happier.
The work I think is most authentic to me is 'The Little Hippo Who Wants Your Attention.' These are early works, and although their style is a bit different from my current style, people around me say they are the most personal. Apparently, the vibe of the baby hippo somehow resembles my own, and I feel the same way.
This piece reminded me once again that naturally letting your personality and emotions flow through your work is very important when it comes to painting. This hippo taught me that works that convey a person's individuality are what truly leave a lasting impression on people, rather than technique.
While expressing the adorable nature of animals, I also want to further enhance the originality of my work. By exposing myself to many works and absorbing various forms of expression, I want to gradually pursue what only I can create. I feel there is still a lot of room for growth, so I want to carefully build up while valuing my daily creations.
Also, my strongest desire is to keep drawing for as long as possible. Painting has always been something I genuinely enjoy, so I want to cherish that feeling and continue to share my own unique works with the world.
I want to express the adorable nature of animals and keep drawing them for as long as possible. Though simple, those words condense Panipogi's sincere approach to creation. As he is establishing his own unique style in the new field of digital illustration, his words about pursuing originality even more carry a clear determination. We can't take our eyes off Panipogi as she continues to explore expressions only she can create, and her future activities are worth watching.