Sanctuary

Acrylic & Oil on TENT, 9ft x 7ft (6.5ft tall), 2023

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

Artwork Description: This tent is a play on houselessness and is mean to show the experiences that these individuals might be going through in a very exaggerated way. The main theme is showing how people privileged enough to have a roof over their head often look past the housing crisis and walk all over the people on the outside without addressing it.

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