DAVID NAKABAYASHI
David Nakabayashi will be presenting new paintings based on the story of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. Born in Hawaii to a Japanese/Hawaiian father and a mixed European mother, Nakabayashi has always been strongly influenced by his Asia/Pacific heritage. Recently, the artist moved from El Paso, Texas to New York City. Though the extreme change in surroundings was very exciting, it felt strange to be painting the ocean while surrounded by the experience of New York City. Even so, the artist felt compelled to create this series. The ideas and
imagery for this series had been developing in his mind for several years, and regardless of the environment, it was time they became paintings. So the story of Pele is set against many of David Nakabayashi's recurring themes.
The artist has used the ocean as a recurring motif that connects him back to his heritage, no matter where he is. Additionally, the images of oil refineries and transmission towers represent consumption and observations regarding climate change and the state of the environment. The result is a series of work that expertly blends the stories and culture of the artist's Hawaiian heritage with issues facing the contemporary world in a surreal, striking, and absolutely captivating way.
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