Ken Taya’s Distinct Blend of Japan, America

I had the pleasure of meeting artist and Halo 3 environment illustrator Ken Taya for lunch yesterday. We talked solely about his art, but if you want to hear what he has to say about his work on Halo 3, check out this Ping Mag interview. Ken brings a unique blend of Americana and Japanese pop art to his work. A print he graciously gave me had my kids enthralled as they tried to identify the blends of East and West. Doraemon in Ken’s painting looks a little off — then my 11-year-old daughter realized he had been morphed with Garfield the Cat. Astro Boy and Mickey Mouse, Campbell Soup and Cup Noodle — the blends are fascinating, and Ken’s use of color is like a celebration. The print he gave me is a replica of the mural in the Blue C Sushi in Southcenter, outside of Seattle. Ken is also showing his work at the Kobo at Higo in Seattle’s International District until September 20. The show is called Hybrid Nippop. And if you live on the east side, check out his work at the Aki Matsuri at Bellevue Community College next weekend (Sept. 6-7).

Finally, for those of you far, far away from Seattle, you can get a glimpse of Ken’s work here.