Nature & Nurture: Landscape and Cultural Parody
Ken Sakatani: multimedia artist
May 8- July 31, 2023
Artist Reception: June 3, Saturday, 2-4 p.m.
Gallery Sanchez, Noe Valley Ministry
1021Sanchez Street., San Francisco
Nature & Nurture are intertwined within me as an artist and person. My abiding love of nature is reflected in my landscapes and thedigital parodies comment on my cultural roots and experiences as an Asian American.
To arrange a private viewing or purchase artwork: ken@sakataniarts.com
Ken Sakatani
Artist Statement
“In addition to my landscapes and stilllifes of nature, an important aspect of my art is expressing my Japanese-American heritage,histories and identities. I play with and transform imagery from both Western and Japanese culture and art. I use images fromJapanese manga art (i.e., ukiyo-e prints, anime comics) and Kabuki theater to comment on Asian-American cultural representationswith ironic humor. As a mixed-media visual artist, I combine 2-D art media and materials, such as ink, color pencil, encaustic wax,watercolor and acrylic paint on paper, wood and canvas. I prefer to integrate different styles and techniques rather than exclusivelyon one approach, which allow for spontaneous, unexpected surprises and transformations. Ultimately, I strive to create works of artwhich express my unique vision with passion, energy and skill.”
Artist Biography
Ken Sakatani is a Japanese-American Sansei (third-generation), who grew up on a ranch farm in Southern California. He receivedhis education and training in visual design (B.F.A., University of Southern California), interdisciplinary arts (M.A., California StateUniversity San Francisco), and art education (Ph.D., Stanford University). Ken has had a noted career as an art professor and arteducator, and as an artist, continues an active record of art exhibits and juried shows. His work, for example, has been curated andshown at the de Young Art Museum, Golden Gate Park Botanical Gardens, and Gallery Sanchez in San Francisco, Cal StateUniversity, Northridge Art Gallery, University of the Arts Art Gallery, Philadelphia, De Anza College Art Gallery, Cupertino, and the Mendocino Art Center. Ken currently resides and enjoys life in San Francisco.
