No Self-Control

Acrylic on Canvas & Charcoal on Paper, 40in x 37in & 47in x 37in

Adrian Minakata (He/Him), BA, Urban Studies, 4th Year

Artwork Description: This is a series containing two different art pieces. If you look at the charcoal drawing you'll notice that its the exact same composition as that of the acrylic mess. It consists of two people in the foreground fighting each other, a person in the back left crying, and a person on the top right only showing their eyes as they witness everything. Another thing to notice is that everyone except for the individual with the eyes has strings attached to their body and limbs, so this whole thing could be interpreted as they are doing everything against their own will.

Artist's Bio: My name is Adrian Minakata, a 5th-year Urban Studies student at the University of Calgary. I moved to Canada from Mexico at the age of 8 and carry a diverse heritage, blending Mexican, Venezuelan, and Japanese roots. My multicultural background influences my artistic vision, allowing me to explore and incorporate varied cultural perspectives and experiences into my work. 

Artist's statement: I am inspired by the representation of expression and emotion in art. The ability to evoke strong emotions through brushstrokes on a canvas captivates me. Concepts of surreal and abstract art influence my work, as they rely purely on the artist's perspective. These art forms offer immense freedom of expression, allowing me to explore and convey my innermost thoughts and feelings. The unpredictability of surrealism and abstraction inspires me to push boundaries and create art that resonates on this emotional level. My goal is to achieve a raw and honest expression that connects with viewers on a personal level. 

Artist's contact info: minakataa@gmail.com