Hiromita Project is an interdisciplinary art platform founded by artist and creative director ANQI in 2024. What began as a character in digital art has evolved into a global creative initiative spanning continents, cultures, and artistic mediums.

The project emerged from ANQI's exploration of identity, belonging, and authentic connection in our increasingly fragmented world. Drawing from her Turkish-Taiwanese heritage and experiences across Asia, Europe, and North America, ANQI created Hiromita as a guide for those navigating their own journey of self-discovery.

Today, the Hiromita Project manifests through international exhibitions, public art installations, participatory workshops, and digital experiences that invite audiences to become active participants in the creative process.

The Philosophy

The Hiromita Project is built on three core philosophical foundations that bridge ancient wisdom and modern psychology:

Self-Belonging – Encouraging individuals to embrace who they are without seeking external validation. Hiromita carries her home within—symbolized by a tent—representing the ability to feel at home within oneself regardless of external circumstances. This mirrors Carl Rogers' concept of unconditional positive regard, where one is accepted and valued for their authentic self rather than for meeting external expectations.

Realizing One's Potential – Drawing from Plato's concept of the daimon and James Hillman's "acorn theory," Hiromita reminds us that each person carries within them a unique purpose and inner wisdom to guide them. As Hillman writes, "Each life is formed by its unique image, an image that is the essence of that life and calls it to a destiny." This aligns with Rogers' theory of self-actualization—the ongoing process of fulfilling one's innate potential.

Authentic Connection – Cultivating relationships based on truth, self-acceptance, and shared creative experiences. Hiromita does not change to be accepted; instead, she embraces her uniqueness wholeheartedly while forming genuine relationships with others. This represents Rogers' concept of congruence, where one's inner self aligns with their outward expression, allowing for more authentic connections with others.

Who is Hiromita?

Hiromita is more than an artistic creation—she is a playful cat with the spirit of a tiger, representing the journey of discovering one's voice and forming genuine relationships.

Inspired by China's rooftop guardian cat sculptures (瓦猫/wamao) from the Yunnan region that protect homes from evil spirits, Asian manga characters that kept ANQI company during her childhood in Taiwan, and ancient Greek philosophical concepts of realizing one's purpose, Hiromita serves as a guide for those seeking their authentic path.

As ANQI describes: "Hiromita says 'I eat your void,' indicating that she consumes the emptiness we feel in modern life from not belonging to ourselves and gives back love and good fortune." Hiromita embodies the struggle of healing, our yearning to connect with others while retaining our individuality, without 'over-adapting' to fit in.

Unlike classic mascots or characters designed for mass appeal, Hiromita maintains her wild, unchanging expression regardless of her surroundings—a visual reminder that we need not change ourselves to be accepted. In ANQI's words: "Hiromita exists amidst a colorful void, appearing sincere, playful, and unsettling simultaneously. She seeks connection without compromising her authenticity to gain acceptance."

Notable Projects

The Hiromita Project has developed impactful collaborations that merge art with public engagement:

Journey to the Heart's Calling (2025)
An immersive installation presented at ArtAnkara Contemporary Art Fair that invited visitors to explore their inner calling through interactive elements, including a nomadic tent representing inner home, luminous Hiromita sculptures, and the participatory "Fabric River of Intention."

Suzhou Bay Park with BFM Center, China (2024)
Created an interactive "Hiromita Playground" installation titled "I Eat Your Void" at Suzhou Bay Sports Park in collaboration with BFM Art Center and East Taihu Lake Resort Area. The project featured Hiromita sculptures painted by children that are illuminated d at night creating a magical environment that embodied Hiromita's message of self-expression.

Art Marathon: Friends Everywhere (2024)
Participated as a solo project in BFM Art Center's innovative city-wide exhibition that scattered 600 artworks throughout the Suzhou Metro system, transforming public transit into an art space. The exhibition aimed to "break the circle" of traditional art viewing and foster socially engaged experiences that bring art into everyday life, aligning perfectly with Hiromita's mission of creating authentic connections. Hiromita Project participated the exhibition as a special project.

Art021 Shanghai (2024)
Presentation of Hiromita works at one of China's premier contemporary art fairs in collaboration with BFM Art Center.

New York Exhibitions (2022-2023)
Hiromita's journey in New York began with the "Women of the World" exhibition at Nowhere Gallery during NFT.NYC (2022), featuring ANQI's NFT works alongside women artists from around the world. In 2023, Hiromita works "Beacon of Hope" and "Inner Star" were exhibited at Awita New York Studio in Brooklyn.

Contemporary Istanbul (2023)

Hiromita artwork selection featuring sculptures and paintings at Turkey's leading international art fair with AB Gallery Korea.

CoolWallet x HIROMITA NFT Collection (2023)
Brand collaboration with CoolBitX featuring 10 unique HIROMITA NFT artworks. Each artwork portrays a different theme (Wholehearted, Passion, Clarity, Joy, etc.) and unlocks exclusive benefits for users, bridging art, culture, finance, and technology.

Hiromita Project - Immersive Installation at ArtAnkara Fair (2025)

Gazete Sanat World

Hiromita Project at the 11th Edition of ArtAnkara Contemporary Art Fair, March 3, 2025

At the 11th edition of ArtAnkara, Hiromita Project offered visitors an unforgettable experience with its interactive art installation, “Journey to the Heart’s Calling.” Throughout the fair, the installation evolved with the active participation of visitors, transforming into a deeply immersive and collective artwork.

From February 20-23, visitors became part of the Hiromita Project’s evolving installation, choosing colorful fabric pieces prepared by the artist and tying them to the Fabric River of Intention—a gesture symbolizing their commitment to personal and relational transformation.

At the heart of the installation stood a nomadic tent, representing one’s inner home and the journey of self-discovery. Surrounding it were glossy fiberglass-cast Hiromita sculptures, velvet-coated versions, and hand-painted variations by artist ANQI, alongside textured paintings. Inside the tent, a luminous Hiromita sculpture cast a mystical glow, creating an ethereal space for reflection.

Upon entering, visitors encountered a question inscribed on a mirrored surface:

“What dream within you is calling to be seen?”

Moved by the atmosphere, participants chose a piece of fabric that best resonated with their dreams and aspirations and tied the fabric to the Dilek Nehri (Fabric River of Intention), physically manifesting their commitment to their goals.

The conceptual foundation of the installation was inspired by the words of Rumi, inviting introspection and transformation:

“There is a life-force within your soul, seek that life.

There is a gem in the mountain of your body, seek that mine.

O traveler, if you are in search of That,

Don’t look outside, look inside yourself and seek That.”

Each piece of fabric was hand-cut by the artist, and the act of tying these pieces to the installation was inspired by shamanic traditions, where people symbolically attach their wishes to elements of nature, such as trees or rivers, as a way of setting intentions and embracing transformation. Here, the golden chain encircling the tent symbolized the River of Life, intertwining countless stories, hopes, and wishes into a collective artwork.

Hiromita: A Guide on the Path to Self-Discovery

Hiromita is an original character created by ANQI, inspired by Chinese “wamao” (rooftop guardian cat) sculptures, Asian manga, and Ancient Greek philosophical concepts of realizing one’s life purpose. Initially introduced as a digital artwork, Hiromita has since evolved into paintings, sculptures, and interactive installations, embodying the journey of individuation and the pursuit of meaningful connections.

By merging cultural storytelling and participatory art, Hiromita Project reaffirmed its role as an international art platform, fostering transformation through collective engagement.

“The deep conversations, meaningful interactions, and the way visitors resonated with Hiromita’s journey of self-discovery have been truly moving. Art finds its meaning in the connections we create through it, and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who became part of this experience,” said ANQI, emphasizing ArtAnkara’s role as a platform that strengthens the connection between art and its audience.

The realization of “Journey to the Heart’s Calling” was led by artist and creative director ANQI, with the contributions of Project Coordinator Ece Özuğur, Technical Design Coordinator Sude Yıldırım, and Graphic Design Coordinator Narin İrem Kıran (Nik Art Flow). Their expertise in project coordination, technical execution, and visual presentation played a key role in bringing the installation to life. Professional photos are taken by photographers Mehmet İzdeş and Ali Ulvi Baycan.

https://www.world.gazetesanat.com/hiromita-project-at-the-11th-edition-of-artankara-contemporary-art-fair/