Hayao Miyazaki is a name that transcends generations, cultures, and animation genres. For decades, his films have invited audiences into immersive worlds where nature breathes, spirits whisper, and courage is found in the most unexpected characters. At the Academy Museum’s new exhibition dedicated to his career, visitors are offered a rare opportunity to walk through the creative evolution of a true cinematic visionary. The exhibit is a celebration of both the artist and the art form, capturing the soul of Miyazaki’s storytelling and visual brilliance.
What sets Miyazaki apart from other directors is his unwavering commitment to hand-drawn animation. At a time when digital production dominates the industry, Miyazaki’s insistence on traditional methods serves as a form of resistance against homogenization in animation. Every frame of his films is treated with the care and rhythm of a painting. This emphasis on craftsmanship is apparent throughout the Academy Museum’s exhibit, which carefully curates a journey through the stages of his process, from rough sketches to final animation cells.
A Childhood That Sparked Imagination
Miyazaki’s fascination with flight, machinery, and fantasy can be traced back to his early years in postwar Japan. Born in 1941, he was surrounded by the complex emotions of a nation recovering from trauma. His father worked for an aircraft company, and young Miyazaki was exposed to the mechanics of aviation from an early age. This interest grew into an artistic motif that would become central in many of his films. Flying machines, whether in the form of gliders or magical aircraft, populate his narratives and often represent freedom, imagination, or escape.
His childhood reading included manga by Osamu Tezuka and illustrations in storybooks that blended adventure with emotional introspection. These early influences shaped not only his artistic style but also his storytelling philosophy. For Miyazaki, stories were never just entertainment—they were windows into the heart of human experience.
Nature as a Narrative Partner
The natural world in Miyazaki’s films is never just a setting. Forests breathe, oceans rise with intent, and creatures—some gentle, others dangerous—exist in ecosystems that command both awe and respect. At the Academy Museum, this connection is rendered vividly through multi-sensory installations. One section of the exhibit transports visitors into a darkened room filled with towering trees, sounds of rustling leaves, and flickers of light that mimic fireflies. Another recreates the grassy path where Satsuki and Mei first meet the forest spirit Totoro, capturing the quiet mystery of nature’s role in human emotion.
Miyazaki’s environmental themes are not born from preachiness but from reverence. Films like Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind explore the tension between industrial expansion and ecological preservation. The exhibit includes annotated storyboards and original concept art that show how these themes were developed visually. Through sketches of decaying forests, towering forest gods, and intricate creature designs, visitors are shown how Miyazaki builds environmental consciousness into every narrative element.
Storyboards That Speak in Silence
One of the most moving aspects of the exhibition is the storyboard gallery. Here, hundreds of frames are displayed in chronological sequence, allowing visitors to witness a story’s visual development over time. These sketches, some faint and incomplete, reveal Miyazaki’s ability to communicate complex emotional arcs without words. The expression on a child’s face, the stillness before a gust of wind, or the slow movement of a train across a quiet landscape—all serve as moments where silence is louder than speech.
This approach to storytelling, often called ma in Japanese aesthetics, creates space for reflection and emotional buildup. The Academy Museum honors this concept by allowing quiet zones within the exhibit, encouraging visitors to slow their pace and observe the emotional weight embedded in each line and brushstroke.
Protagonists of Strength and Sensitivity
Hayao Miyazaki’s films are known for their complex and dynamic female protagonists. Unlike the traditional archetypes seen in mainstream media, these characters are neither damsels in distress nor flawless superheroes. They are human, with strengths and flaws that evolve throughout the story. Chihiro begins Spirited Away as a frightened girl but gradually transforms into a confident and compassionate hero. Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle undergoes a magical transformation that reflects her internal journey toward self-acceptance and love.
The exhibition delves deeply into the creation of these characters. Early drafts, alternate costume designs, and director notes reveal the careful thought that goes into shaping each protagonist. Visitors can trace the development of these characters from initial inspiration to final animation, gaining insight into the values Miyazaki seeks to convey through them—resilience, kindness, independence, and moral clarity.
The Language of Motion
Animation is not just about drawing. It is about motion. And in Miyazaki’s work, every movement is intentional. From the way a child runs barefoot through the rain to the slow stretch of a soot sprite waking from slumber, these moments are choreographed to evoke emotion. The Academy Museum showcases several time-lapse videos of Studio Ghibli animators bringing life to still images. Side-by-side comparisons between initial pencil sketches and final colored frames illustrate how movement is gradually built through layers of expression and timing.
Interactive panels allow visitors to try animating simple sequences themselves, giving them a newfound appreciation for the labor involved in making something appear effortlessly fluid. The tactile experience of flipping through a real animation flipbook is also part of the exhibit, offering a hands-on understanding of frame-by-frame storytelling.
Music as an Emotional Bridge
No discussion of Miyazaki’s world is complete without the music of Joe Hisaishi. The partnership between the director and composer is one of the most iconic in film history. Their collaboration enhances every story by providing an emotional soundtrack that guides viewers through moments of wonder, fear, love, and sorrow. The exhibition includes a dedicated listening room where visitors can hear the evolution of a scene from silent storyboard to final orchestral arrangement.
In this immersive space, one can listen to the haunting piano theme of Spirited Away or the triumphant brass of Laputa while viewing concept art and production stills. The synergy between music and image is made palpable, and visitors come away with a deeper appreciation of how sound serves as a character in Miyazaki’s films.
A Personal Perspective on Creativity
One of the most intimate sections of the Academy Museum’s exhibition is its glimpse into Miyazaki’s personal life and philosophy. A recreated workspace complete with pencils, paintbrushes, ashtrays, and cluttered desks provides a realistic view of the director’s everyday environment. Video interviews play on loop, offering candid moments where Miyazaki reflects on his doubts, frustrations, and hopes for the future of animation.
These reflections are not romanticized. He speaks of exhaustion, of the burdens of leadership, and the tension between perfection and productivity. But he also speaks with joy about the magic of seeing a story take shape, about the importance of imagination in a mechanized world, and about his desire to create stories that remind people to feel deeply.
Global Reception and Cultural Dialogue
The final segment of Part 1 in the exhibition focuses on the international reception of Miyazaki’s films. While deeply rooted in Japanese culture, his stories have found homes in hearts across continents. This section displays fan letters from around the world, translations of his films in dozens of languages, and academic research that highlights the philosophical and cultural themes embedded in his work.
Visitors learn how different audiences interpret Miyazaki’s films through their cultural lenses. In some countries, Totoro is seen as a symbol of childhood innocence. In others, Mononoke represents indigenous resistance. This global dialogue is part of what has made Miyazaki not just a Japanese icon but a global storyteller.
This series has offered an in-depth exploration of the foundational themes and creative processes that define Hayao Miyazaki’s work. The Academy Museum’s exhibition is more than a display of memorabilia—it is a living tribute to the spirit of imagination, discipline, and emotional honesty. By walking through this space, one does not simply learn about Miyazaki. One begins to see the world through his eyes.
Bringing Miyazaki’s Films into the Museum Space
The Academy Museum’s exhibition transforms the experience of Hayao Miyazaki’s films from the screen to the physical world. Visitors are invited to step inside detailed recreations of scenes and environments from his most beloved movies. This immersive approach offers a new way to appreciate the visual storytelling and intricate world-building that characterize Miyazaki’s work.
Unlike a traditional gallery, where artwork is displayed behind glass, this exhibition uses large-scale installations, soundscapes, and interactive elements to engage all senses. The goal is to make visitors feel as if they have entered the worlds Miyazaki created—spaces where the fantastical becomes tangible and every detail reveals something about the story and its characters.
Spirited Away: A Journey into the Spirit World
One of the exhibition’s standout installations is a walkthrough recreation inspired by Spirited Away. The hallway is dimly lit, with paper lanterns casting soft glows, mimicking the bathhouse’s mysterious ambiance. Sound effects of flowing water, distant footsteps, and whispers create an immersive soundscape.
The centerpiece is a life-sized model of No-Face, the enigmatic spirit whose presence in the film symbolizes loneliness and desire. Visitors can see close-up details that are often missed on screen—the textures of his mask, the delicate movement of his robes, and subtle changes in his expressions.
Original storyboards and animation cels hang nearby, offering insight into how key scenes were visualized and refined. A digital kiosk allows visitors to explore how different sequences were composed, frame by frame, showing the careful planning behind the fluid movement and emotional pacing of the film.
My Neighbor Totoro: Childhood and Nature
In contrast, the exhibit dedicated to My Neighbor Totoro emphasizes innocence and the wonder of childhood. A recreated version of the iconic bus stop scene allows visitors to stand under a large camphor tree, the same place where Satsuki and Mei first encounter Totoro. The tree is crafted with detailed bark textures and leaves that rustle softly with the help of subtle mechanical movements.
Nearby, visitors can interact with soft sculptures of the soot sprites and listen to the ambient sounds of the countryside—crickets chirping, wind rustling through the grass, and birdsong. This section evokes the feeling of rural Japan and the quiet magic that Miyazaki captures in everyday life.
Sketches and color studies demonstrate how the art team balanced realism with whimsy. For instance, the Totoro character was designed to be both comforting and mysterious, with soft, rounded shapes that appeal to children and expressive eyes that suggest depth beyond his silent presence.
Princess Mononoke: Conflict and Coexistence
The exhibition also devotes significant space to Princess Mononoke, one of Miyazaki’s most thematically complex films. This installation is darker and more intense, reflecting the movie’s exploration of environmental conflict and moral ambiguity. Visitors can walk through a recreated forest glade, with towering trees and a looming statue of the Forest Spirit.
The exhibit includes detailed sculptures of key creatures such as the giant boars and wolves, showing the powerful blend of naturalism and fantasy in Miyazaki’s creature designs. The materials used highlight textures like fur, bark, and moss, giving a tactile sense of the forest’s living ecosystem.
Storyboards reveal the painstaking attention to battle choreography and character expressions. Miyazaki’s careful direction ensures that even moments of violence carry emotional weight and ethical questioning. This section challenges visitors to consider the costs of industrial progress and the possibility of harmony between humans and nature.
Howl’s Moving Castle: Fantasy and Transformation
The whimsical, ever-changing castle from Howl’s Moving Castle is another highlight. A large-scale model shows the castle’s intricate, patchwork architecture—complete with chimneys, moving gears, and turrets that appear to shift as visitors walk around it.
The exhibition delves into the film’s themes of identity and change, illustrated through Sophie’s transformation and Howl’s magical flights. Concept art displays the castle’s evolution from rough sketches to detailed paintings, emphasizing Miyazaki’s attention to mechanical details and imaginative design.
Interactive screens invite visitors to explore the castle’s inner workings, including the enchanted moving stairs and hidden rooms. This section celebrates the blending of the fantastical with the mechanical, a signature aspect of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: Environmental Heroism
Though predating Studio Ghibli, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is recognized as a foundational work in Miyazaki’s career. The exhibition honors this film’s lasting influence on environmental storytelling.
Visitors encounter displays of Nausicaä’s glider and the toxic jungle, recreated with detailed plant sculptures and atmospheric lighting. The exhibition highlights Miyazaki’s early commitment to ecological themes, showing how Nausicaä’s bravery and compassion set the tone for later heroines.
Panels explain the inspiration behind the film’s apocalyptic landscape and how Miyazaki envisioned a future shaped by humanity’s relationship with nature. The exhibit encourages reflection on the ongoing relevance of these themes.
Animation Cells and Original Artwork
Beyond immersive environments, the exhibition features an extensive collection of original animation cells, background paintings, and concept sketches. These artifacts reveal the painstaking artistry behind every frame.
Visitors can observe the layering technique used in traditional animation, where multiple transparent sheets are painted and stacked to create depth and movement. This hands-on section includes magnifying glasses and light boxes to help visitors appreciate the fine brushstrokes and color choices.
The artwork also includes rare drafts and unused designs, giving insight into the creative decisions that shaped the final films. This transparency into Miyazaki’s process is a highlight for animation enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
Voices Behind the Scenes
The exhibition pays tribute to the talented voice actors who brought Miyazaki’s characters to life. Listening stations allow visitors to hear original dialogue in Japanese and dubbed versions, alongside interviews with the actors discussing their interpretations of the roles.
These recordings emphasize the importance of voice work in conveying subtle emotions and personality traits. Visitors gain an appreciation for the collaboration between director, animators, and voice talent that creates the immersive, heartfelt experience Miyazaki’s films are known for.
The Role of Studio Ghibli
A crucial part of the exhibition is the story of Studio Ghibli itself, the animation studio Miyazaki co-founded. The exhibit traces its origins, philosophy, and influence on global animation.
Visitors can see early promotional materials, production notes, and behind-the-scenes photographs that document the studio’s growth and challenges. This context deepens understanding of the collaborative nature of Miyazaki’s work and the supportive environment that nurtured such innovative storytelling.
Engaging with Miyazaki’s World Today
The Academy Museum has integrated technology to connect visitors with Miyazaki’s worlds in new ways. Augmented reality features allow users to point their devices at artworks to reveal hidden details or watch short animated sequences.
These innovations demonstrate how Miyazaki’s legacy continues to inspire new forms of storytelling, blending traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology. The exhibit encourages visitors to think about the future of animation and the enduring power of hand-crafted narratives.
The next part will delve into the artistic techniques and philosophies that define Miyazaki’s unique style, revealing the intricate craftsmanship behind his unforgettable films. Let me know when you are ready to continue.
The Foundation of Hand-Drawn Animation
Hayao Miyazaki’s films stand out in an era dominated by computer-generated imagery due to their dedication to traditional hand-drawn animation. The Academy Museum’s exhibition emphasizes this craftsmanship by showcasing original hand-painted cels and background paintings, illustrating the painstaking process behind every frame.
Unlike digital animation, hand-drawn animation requires meticulous attention to detail, with animators drawing each movement frame by frame. Miyazaki’s approach keeps this labor-intensive technique alive, emphasizing subtlety in motion and texture that brings characters and environments to life in a way that feels organic and deeply human.
Layering and Depth in Animation
One of Miyazaki’s signature artistic techniques is the use of multiple animation layers to create a sense of depth and realism. The exhibition features displays where visitors can see how transparent cels are stacked to separate foreground, characters, and background elements, allowing for complex interaction between them.
This layering method enables fluid movement and intricate background details without overwhelming the frame. For example, in My Neighbor Totoro, the soft sway of tree leaves and the gentle rustling of grass are animated on different layers, producing a living, breathing environment.
The Role of Background Art
The backgrounds in Miyazaki’s films are not merely settings but characters themselves. The exhibition highlights the artistry of background painters who use watercolor, gouache, and airbrush techniques to create lush, immersive landscapes.
Visitors can view large background paintings, which exhibit the rich textures and subtle color gradations that give Miyazaki’s worlds their distinctive atmosphere. From the rural countryside to mysterious forests and sprawling cities, these backgrounds provide emotional context and mood that enhance the storytelling.
Character Design: Expressive and Believable
Miyazaki’s character designs combine simplicity with expressive detail. The exhibition showcases original sketches and turnaround sheets that reveal how each character’s personality is communicated through posture, facial expressions, and clothing.
The characters often embody universal human qualities—courage, curiosity, kindness—while reflecting distinct cultural influences. For instance, Totoro’s round, comforting shape contrasts with the fierce, angular features of Princess Mononoke’s San, reinforcing their narrative roles.
Emphasis on Natural Movement
Naturalism is a guiding principle in Miyazaki’s animation. The exhibition includes video displays comparing rough animation sketches with final scenes, showing how animators carefully study real-life movement to inform their work.
Scenes depicting flying, running, or simple gestures like a character brushing their hair demonstrate this focus on authenticity. Miyazaki’s films often linger on small details that evoke a sense of everyday life, making the fantastical elements feel grounded.
Color Theory and Emotional Impact
The use of color in Miyazaki’s films is deliberately chosen to evoke specific moods and themes. The Academy Museum presents color studies that reveal the thought process behind palette selection.
Soft pastels often dominate scenes of peace and innocence, as seen in Kiki’s Delivery Service, while darker, muted tones underscore tension or danger in films like Princess Mononoke. The strategic use of light and shadow also helps guide the viewer’s emotional response.
Storyboarding as a Narrative Blueprint
Storyboards are essential to Miyazaki’s filmmaking process, serving as a visual script that maps out scenes, camera angles, and pacing. The exhibition displays extensive storyboard sheets annotated with notes and corrections.
These storyboards highlight Miyazaki’s dedication to storytelling, clarity, and emotional rhythm. He often revises sequences multiple times to ensure that every movement and interaction supports the narrative’s flow and impact.
Themes Reflected in Visual Style
Miyazaki’s films consistently explore themes such as environmentalism, childhood innocence, and the complexity of human nature. The exhibition connects these themes to specific visual choices.
For example, the interplay of natural and industrial elements in Nausicaä and Princess Mononoke is reflected in contrasting design motifs—organic shapes versus mechanical forms. This visual storytelling reinforces the moral questions and emotional tension within the films.
Influence of Japanese Culture and Nature
The exhibition highlights how Miyazaki’s deep appreciation for Japanese culture and nature informs his artistic style. Elements such as traditional architecture, folklore, and Shinto beliefs appear throughout his work.
Visitors can see detailed studies of traditional garments, architecture, and landscapes that Miyazaki researched to ensure cultural authenticity. This grounding in heritage adds layers of meaning and resonance for audiences worldwide.
Miyazaki’s Philosophy on Animation and Storytelling
The exhibition shares Miyazaki’s reflections on animation as an art form. He views animation not just as entertainment but as a means to communicate complex emotions and ideas with simplicity and honesty.
Miyazaki’s emphasis on empathy, environmental stewardship, and respect for life permeates his storytelling philosophy. He encourages viewers to see the world with curiosity and compassion, values reflected in every artistic decision.
Collaborative Studio Process
While Miyazaki is the visionary behind his films, the exhibition also acknowledges the collaborative nature of animation. Displays show how teams of animators, painters, and technicians work under his guidance to bring his vision to fruition.
Behind-the-scenes photographs and production notes illustrate the studio’s workflow, deadlines, and the balance between creative freedom and rigorous discipline required to produce high-quality animation.
The Enduring Legacy of Traditional Craftsmanship
By spotlighting traditional hand-drawn techniques, the exhibition underscores Miyazaki’s commitment to preserving animation as a craft. This dedication has inspired generations of animators and continues to influence the global animation industry.
Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the skill and patience necessary to create these timeless films, as well as the artistic choices that make Miyazaki’s work so emotionally powerful.
You have taken a closer look at the artistic techniques and philosophies that define Hayao Miyazaki’s films. From hand-drawn animation and layered backgrounds to cultural influences and storytelling principles, the exhibition reveals the depth and care invested in each work.
In the final part, the series will explore the broader impact of Miyazaki’s legacy on animation, popular culture, and audiences worldwide, reflecting on why his films continue to captivate and inspire. Let me know when you are ready to proceed.
Miyazaki’s Influence on Modern Animation
Hayao Miyazaki’s work has had a profound impact on the animation industry worldwide. His films set a benchmark for storytelling, character development, and visual artistry that many contemporary animators continue to admire and emulate. The Academy Museum’s exhibition highlights this influence by showcasing testimonials from animators and filmmakers who credit Miyazaki as a pivotal inspiration.
Many studios outside Japan have adopted elements of Miyazaki’s style, particularly his focus on hand-drawn animation and storytelling that balances fantasy with real human emotions. His films demonstrate how animation can appeal to audiences of all ages, blending universal themes with cultural specificity.
The Global Popularity of Studio Ghibli Films
Studio Ghibli, co-founded by Miyazaki, has become a household name beyond Japan, largely due to the international success of his films. The exhibition explores how Ghibli’s works have been received worldwide, including translations, dubbing, and theatrical releases.
Cultural exchange programs, film festivals, and streaming platforms have introduced Miyazaki’s stories to diverse audiences, expanding their reach and influence. The universal appeal of themes like environmentalism, courage, and friendship contributes to the films’ enduring popularity.
Impact on Popular Culture and Media
Miyazaki’s films have permeated popular culture in many ways. The Academy Museum’s exhibition includes memorabilia, fan art, and references to Miyazaki’s characters in other media such as video games, fashion, and advertising.
Characters like Totoro have become cultural icons, recognizable even by those who may not have seen the films. This cultural penetration reflects the emotional resonance and charm of Miyazaki’s creations, which have become symbols of innocence and imagination.
Educational Value and Inspiration for Future Creators
Miyazaki’s work is widely used as a teaching tool in animation and film studies. The exhibition features educational materials and workshops designed to inspire young artists and animators.
His films encourage creativity, environmental awareness, and empathy—qualities that educators highlight as essential for the next generation. By studying his process and storytelling techniques, aspiring creators learn how to craft meaningful narratives that engage and move audiences.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage Through Film
Miyazaki’s films often incorporate traditional Japanese art forms, folklore, and values. The exhibition emphasizes the role of animation in preserving and sharing cultural heritage with global audiences.
This preservation fosters a greater appreciation for Japanese culture and contributes to cross-cultural understanding. Miyazaki’s respectful portrayal of nature, spirituality, and community invites viewers to consider their relationship with the world around them.
Miyazaki’s Environmental Advocacy Through Storytelling
A significant aspect of Miyazaki’s legacy is his environmental advocacy. His films frequently highlight the delicate balance between humanity and nature, urging audiences to reflect on ecological responsibility.
The exhibition uses multimedia displays to show how these themes resonate in contemporary environmental movements. Miyazaki’s storytelling serves not only as entertainment but also as a call to action, inspiring viewers to value and protect the natural world.
The Role of Female Protagonists in Miyazaki’s Films
Miyazaki is known for creating strong, complex female characters who drive his stories. The exhibition explores how characters like Nausicaä, Chihiro, and Sophie challenge traditional gender roles and inspire empowerment.
These heroines embody courage, intelligence, and compassion, providing role models for audiences of all ages. The depiction of female protagonists reflects Miyazaki’s progressive views and contributes to the films’ relevance in discussions about representation.
The Emotional and Philosophical Depth of Miyazaki’s Narratives
Unlike many animated films aimed solely at children, Miyazaki’s stories often address profound emotional and philosophical questions. The exhibition invites visitors to consider themes such as mortality, identity, and the passage of time.
Through layered narratives and nuanced characters, Miyazaki encourages viewers to engage with life’s complexities. This depth is a key factor in why his films resonate with adults and continue to be revisited across generations.
Fan Communities and Global Fandom
The exhibition showcases how Miyazaki’s films have inspired passionate fan communities worldwide. These groups celebrate his work through conventions, fan art, cosplay, and online forums.
The global fandom reflects the communal experience of sharing stories that touch on universal human values. It also demonstrates how Miyazaki’s work fosters connection and dialogue across cultures.
Continued Innovation and Future Projects
Though Miyazaki has announced retirement multiple times, his dedication to animation endures. The exhibition shares updates on his latest projects and the ongoing evolution of Studio Ghibli.
His willingness to explore new themes and technologies while staying true to traditional techniques exemplifies his commitment to innovation. This balance ensures that Miyazaki’s influence will continue to shape the future of animation.
This completes the exploration of Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy by highlighting his vast influence on animation, culture, education, and environmental awareness. The Academy Museum’s exhibition provides a comprehensive view of why Miyazaki’s films remain timeless and beloved worldwide.
Through his artistry and storytelling, Miyazaki invites audiences to dream, reflect, and connect with the world in profound ways. The exhibition offers visitors not only a look back at a remarkable career but also inspiration for the creative journeys ahead.
Final Thoughts
Hayao Miyazaki’s work transcends the boundaries of animation, touching hearts and minds through stories that are as visually stunning as they are deeply meaningful. The Academy Museum’s exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous artistry and thoughtful philosophy that define his films, from the delicate brushstrokes of hand-painted backgrounds to the richly layered narratives that explore humanity, nature, and the spirit of adventure.
What makes Miyazaki’s films truly timeless is their universal appeal—whether it’s the innocence of childhood, the struggle to protect the environment, or the courage to face uncertainty, his stories resonate across cultures and generations. The exhibition not only celebrates his achievements but also inspires visitors to appreciate animation as a powerful art form capable of conveying complex emotions and ideas.
Beyond the artistry, Miyazaki’s legacy lies in his ability to foster empathy, curiosity, and respect for the world around us. His characters encourage viewers to embrace kindness and courage, while his themes challenge us to reflect on our relationship with nature and each other.
For anyone who cherishes creativity, storytelling, or the magic of cinema, the exhibition is a must-see journey into the heart of one of the most influential filmmakers of our time. It invites us all to rediscover wonder, dream boldly, and see the world through a lens of compassion and imagination.