As a graphic designer, Taka Hayashi is already well-versed in combining different elements together to form a cohesive piece, but as an artist, he pulls from a variety of cultural references that, on paper, seem worlds apart. For his 'Portraits of Nature' exhibit opening at the Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow, some of the influences on his work include Native American crafts, '60s psychedelia, '80s skate culture, North African tribal art, and more. And in a way that doesn't totally feel like cultural appropriation, Hayashi presents different interpretations and connections to nature from his menagerie of global perspectives, using landscapes, birds, feathers, skulls, and other symbols, with muted colors and patterns that add Hayashi's own stylistc touch. Presented by Vans, this solo show will remind you of the wondrous beauty of the world we often forget.
Wednesdays-Sundays. Starts: May 2. Continues through May 24, 2015
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.