Document Type
Interview
Publication Date
9-25-2024
Keywords
cultural storytelling, mixed media artist, empathy, interdisciplinary practice, social justice, community-centered creativity
Abstract
This interview with Na Omi Shintani was conducted by Sukanya Chakrabarti as part of the Mosaic Atlas project. Na Omi Shintani, a Japanese American mixed media artist, uses her interdisciplinary practice to explore themes of identity, history, and social justice. After transitioning from a career in marketing and graphic design to art, she pursued a master’s degree in transformative art, fostering her passion for community-centered creativity. Shintani’s work incorporates drawing, assemblage, video, and augmented reality to tell stories, with a focus on her Japanese American heritage and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Notable pieces include the "Pledge of Allegiance" flag crafted from camp barrack wood and "deconstructed kimonos" representing cultural presence and loss. Beyond personal narratives, Shintani amplifies marginalized voices, such as in her installation "Dream Refuge for Children in Prisons," which addresses the experiences of incarcerated children across cultures. Exhibiting locally, nationally, and internationally, she navigates challenges like balancing historical and broader themes and engaging rural audiences near her studio. Rooted in a commitment to empathy and cultural storytelling, Shintani sees her art as a means to foster connection and elevate hidden narratives. As part of the Mosaic Atlas project, Mosaic Staff and Volunteers, SJSU students and faculty from the Anthropology and Film, Theater, and Dance Departments interviewed people who support and produce art throughout the Bay Area.
Recommended Citation
Na Omi Judy Shintani and Sukanya Chakrabarti. "Mosaic Atlas: Interview with Na Omi Shintani" Mosaic Atlas Interviews (2024).
Transcript
Network
San Mateo County
Participant Website
https://www.naomishintani.com/
Address
San Mateo County
Neighborhood
San Mateo County
