Tina Takemoto: The Art of Identity

Tina Takemoto is a contemporary artist who works in a variety of mediums, including video, performance, and installation. They are known for their critical and nuanced explorations of identity, particularly in regards to race, gender, and sexuality.

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Takemoto was born in California, and received their undergraduate degree in Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley. They went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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Since beginning their career in the late 1990s, Takemoto has exhibited their work widely, with solo shows at venues such as the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. They have also been included in numerous group exhibitions, both nationally and internationally.

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One of Takemoto's most notable projects is a video installation titled "Looking for Jiro". In this work, Takemoto uses archival footage and original video to examine the history of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and its ongoing impact on contemporary issues of racialized surveillance and detention. Plus, the hidden dimensions of queer sexuality during these incarcerations.

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Takemoto's work has been described as "powerful and thought-provoking," and they have received numerous accolades for their contributions to the art world. They are Dean of Humanities and Sciences, California College of the Arts, San francisco.

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In addition to their artistic practice, Takemoto is also actively involved in community organizing and advocacy. They have worked with organizations such as the Japanese American Citizens League and the Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach, and have used their platform as an artist to raise awareness about issues of social and political importance.

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Overall, Tina Takemoto is a multifaceted and influential figure in the contemporary art world, known for their thought-provoking and socially engaged work. They are a vital voice in discussions about race, gender, and identity, and their contributions continue to be deeply impactful.

Images courtesy of the artist