Black ink is the oldest medium used in Japanese drawing, and although it developed from calligraphy to manga and comic drawings, Mika found her own unique technique to explore the simplicity and boldness of black ink. Her valiant but equally delicate drawings in black and white, with the occasional use of red and other colours, remind us of a tribal art-like style. However, she tells less the story of a tribe or community than that of her own unique past and the mix of cultures that inspire her since she travels extensively for over 10 years.

Born in Tokyo, Mika was mostly raised by her grandparents and stepmother in Yokohama. She was challenged by loss and separation as a young girl, when her mother fell mentally ill and since then stays in a clinic, and her father committed suicide after he remarried.

Driven to find peace in the process of drawing, she only found appreciation in her artistry during her Photography degree in Tokyo. She soaked in different cultures, believes and communities during her travels, but India offered her a place of rest and reflection.

Greatly impacted by her family and her past, she is able to face her inner Chakra and focus on the battle between good and evil within her. Hugely inspired by the Indian culture, religion and traditions, she is able to fill the gap between black and white and reveal her talent as a visual artist.