In 2011, Taiki Arita graduated from our art program with his BFA in Graphic Design. Since then, Taiki has gone on to do some exciting things around the world including his home country of Japan, Berlin, and this summer an artist residency in London. Recently, I was able to correspond with Taiki about his work and hopes for the future.

Taiki was born in Hiroshima, Japan. He came to JSU to study graphic design from 2006 to 2011. After working as a graphic designer and a public servant in Hiroshima for a short period, he moved to Naoshima, a contemporary art island in Japan, and worked in a museum and started to create artworks. His three landscape paintings of Naoshima were exhibited in the new ferry of Naoshima. Taiki credits this as the key to start his artistic career.

What inspires your art?

T: What inspires me is Rock music. I love the moment to be energized, and gain courage, hope, and fortitude through listening to Rock music. I aim to express and give those things to the viewers through my creation.

Share with us about your solo exhibit in Berlin?

T: In my second solo exhibition in Berlin“Abstract and Silver.”

I exhibited two different kinds of art. One is art inspired by Rock music. Another one was art against nuclear weapons since I grew up in Hiroshima and always heard about the tragedy caused by nuclear weapons. The guests were from European, Asian, and African countries. They seemed to enjoy my art inspired by Rock music and looked with interest upon the art against nuclear weapons.

What did you gain from your experience in Berlin?

T: During three months stay in Berlin. The style of my art changed.

I started to cut, burn, break, and assemble canvases, and used garbage on the street as material. I started to work on installation and sculpture. Overall, the stay in Berlin became a good experience for me and gave me new assignments as an artist.

Share with us about your upcoming residency in London?

In the summer of 2018, an artist residency program in London will be held by Artlink. I was chosen to participate in the program as the prize of a competition. I will exhibit my work in a gallery in London as a part of an international group show.

What are your goals for the future?

In the near future, I would like to show my art at Jacksonville State University and in New York. I would enjoy seeing my friends and teachers again.

We are proud that Taiki is a part of the JSU family and look forward to seeing his future artistic endeavors!

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