In 2022, I joined a team of artists and designers to produce a large-scale mural for Uncle Bob's Place in Seattle, Washington. The mural installation is expected in summer 2023.
Slurp!: May 2021 /
The Slurp! street mural project by Akira Ohiso, with technical assistance from muralist Angelina Villalobos, is inspired by noodles, stepping stones, the immigrant journey, and the diversity of intersecting cultures inhabiting the Chinatown-International District today. Each noodle cluster alludes to geographic locations, the circuitous route of immigration, and safe passage through the space. Landing on each cluster promotes this journey. Viewers are invited to appreciate the diversity of the neighborhood through vibrant colors, movement, and a memorable experience.
Ballard Night Out: February 2020 /
One-night exhibition by Akira Ohiso for Equal Exchange Espresso Ballard’s inaugural Ballard Night Out! Enjoy thought-provoking art and hand-crafted beverages in our new space.
Fresh Perspectives 2020 /
Seattle Public Utilities Fresh Perspectives 2020, Part 1 of 3
January 15, 2020 - March 30, 2020
Reception: February 13, 2020
29 Artworks by 23 Artists
(A total of 70 artworks by 57 artists were purchased)
This exhibition consists of 29 contemporary artworks by 23 Northwest artists. The artwork was selected and curated by seven young people for Seattle Public Utilities latest 1% for Art purchase. They each participated in the Fresh Perspectives Youth Curatorial Training Program, jointly organized by Seattle Public Utilities and the Office of Arts & Culture.
This program includes conversations with curators and arts administrators from galleries, museums and public collections. It also provides the opportunity to serve on the selection panel, and learn about budgets and art handling. The program, now in its second year, seeks to support young creatives of color and incorporate youth voice, eye, and perspective into the City of Seattle’s art collection.
Artists
Marit Berg
Mary Ellen Bowers
Patti Bowman
Yvonne Chan
Meghan Crandall
Amjad Faur
Mike Ferguson
Kathy Fridstein
Randi Ganulin
Hsinyi Huang
Nico Inzerella
Juliana Kang Robinson
Elise Koncsek
Alan McNiel
Maya Milton
Hanako O’Leary
Akira Ohiso
Joe Rudko
Roger Shimomura
Miya Sukune
JoEllen Wang
Michelle Zeidman
Jennifer Zwick
Youth Curators
Michael Anderson, Rosália António, Christa Chan, Helena Goos, Moe’Neyah Holland, Harsimran Kaur, Melody Lin
Program Administrators
Blake Haygood, Elisheba Johnson, Alison Post, Benjamin Gale-Schreck, Mami Hara
Image: Detail from Akria Ohiso, Muslim Neighbor, 2019.
Apopalyptic: June 2019 /
Ballard Art Walk: April 2019 /
Akira Ohiso will be showing at the April 2019 Ballard Art Walk at EyebrowBaby on Saturday April 13, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Address
5308 Ballard Ave NW Suite C
Seattle, WA 98107
Enter through Anchored Ship Coffee
Fresh Eyes: Solo Exhibition of Digital Work from 2016-2018 /
November 5 – December 6, 2018
After two years as Seattle Drawn, Akira will be showing a collection of his digital drawings at the Everett Community College Russell Day Gallery. Opening reception is Thursday, November 8th, 12:30-2:30pm. Gallery is open Monday through Thursday 10am to 4pm and Friday 10am to 2pm.
One Grand Gallery: Group Exhibition /
Akira Ohiso's work is featured in a group exhibition at One Grand Gallery in Portland, OR. Show ran through July 2018 and then moves to NYC in August 2018.
Spill Life: Solo Exhibition at Rye International Center /
PRESIDENTS™: Solo Exhibition at Populuxe Brewing /
Solo Show at the Ghost Gallery in Capitol Hill /
Now on View at Front Seat, located on the 4th floor of the Oddfellows Bldg (915 E. Pine St, Ste 401). On view through early July, contact for shipping and pickup times.
Akira Ohiso is an artist, writer and musician who gained popularity as an outspoken blogger and social media voice. He was the co-founder and editor of Green Door Magazine, an upstate New York publication that promoted green living.
He received his Masters of Social Work degree in 2003 and worked for years in the social services profession. His invaluable experience working with vulnerable populations continues to inform his engagement in the digital world.
A transplant to Seattle, his digital drawings document the unyielding gentrification and displacement of a city that creates great wealth and great suffering. He is married and lives in Ballard’s West Woodland neighborhood with his three children.
Show named a Critic's Pick by The Stranger Seattle.
Deep Topography: Solo Exhibition at Two Bells /
Solo Exhibition at Two Bells - October 8, 2017 to November 30, 2017
Akira Ohiso's DEEP TOPOGRAPHY Exhibition at Two Bells in Belltown, Seattle.
Show runs from October 8, 2017 through November 30, 2017. Artist reception to coincide with the Belltown Art Walk on Friday, November 10 from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Art Interruptions 2017 /
Temporary artwork in the Delridge Neighborhood Greenway + Connector Trail
August 3, 2017 -December 31, 2017
I am so proud to be one of seven artists selected for the Office of Arts & Culture Seattle 2017 Art Interruptions Art Walk. The exhibition is along the Delridge Neighborhood Greenway & Connector Trail in West Seattle.
My work is titled "Smelting."
Walking Tour: Feet First will host a walking tour on Oct. 7th from 10am-12pm.
Explore the West Seattle neighborhood by foot, experience Art Interruptions and meet the participating artists. Hosted by Feet First; visit www.feetfirst.org for detailed updates.
Seattle Arts & Culture 2017 Public Art Boot Camp /
Akira Ohiso was One of 35 selected artist to participate in the Seattle Arts & Culture 2017 Public Art Boot Camp.
Seattle Drawn: Solo Exhibition at Populuxe Brewing /
Solo Exhibition of digital drawings in print at Populuxe Brewing. Jan 6-31, 2017.
SNAP TO GRID exhibition at the Los Angeles Center /
"Mom Visiting" digital drawing featured in the SNAP TO GRID exhibition at the Los Angeles Center of Digital Art. December 8-31, 2016
