Dreams of a Butterfly_Amina Kai

I am a visual artist working across photography, painting, and film. My practice moves between documentation and introspection—night portraits in Tokyo, experimental collages, and painting series that examine the subtle dynamics of love and self-sacrifice. My photographic work is grounded in presence and atmosphere. I’m drawn to moments of stillness and ambiguity. Rather than revealing what is hidden, these images linger on what is felt. With my background in painting, color plays an essential role in my photographs, shaping mood and aesthetic rather than serving a purely descriptive function. Originally from Baltimore, I am currently based in Tokyo. Below is an overview of recent and past projects across mediums.