Oil on canvas, 24" x 36" (2026) by Dylan Ilarde

This painting aims to redefine the meaning of Ronin. A ronin is traditionally defined as a wanderer, someone who is seen as lower class in the social hierarchy in Japan. However, to me a ronin is one of the most powerful titles there are, and I wanted to show that through this piece.

Inspired by skilled swordsmen such as Sakamoto Ryoma and Miyamoto Musashi, this painting aims to display the powerful minds that allowed these two to create meaningful lives as ronin. Ryoma, left his home as he disagreed with the political landscape of Japan at the time. Later on he was assassinated, but he played a key part in bringing democracy to Japan. Musashi on the other hand was a man born surrounded by violence. He was a wild beast who was fuelled by anger and sadness as he walked a path of chaos. He eventually learned to surrender himself and his ego as he became a true master of his own mind. Musashi’s philosophy towards life bled not only into his swordsmanship, but to everything in life.

This painting aims to show the beauty of creating your own path. The eyes. They’re focused not on the enemy, but on the path, always looking forward. The sword. It does not carry a weight of violence, but the light feeling of confidence. A true Ronin is free. A true Ronin makes the path for themselves. A true Ronin is powerful.