akiko jackson
The work I create has a submerged yet insistent investigation into my identity as traditionally a lower socio-economic and ethnic minority woman. I attempt to translate and address my identity and cultural significance by creating works that bring about question and dialogue. My work has a subtle and underlying approach towards theories of alienation, burden, heritage, and identity.
I have used materials that have an inherent meaning by way of its historical root, core, and function. This function often times have a fixed placement in certain cultures and society. My recent projects use materials such as synthetic hair or hair netting that is manipulated into a format not conventionally seen or used in the everyday.
…I was recently interested in investigating the “high end” of labor in art production, and the “low end” labor associated with my working-class background. For example, focusing not only on stereotypes directed towards the working-class: but expressing how hair netting has beautiful associations of a provocative nature, which addresses sexuality and the feminine influence, with formal patterns that create optical illusions…
… Awareness is key to a progressive future. The complexity of racial and cultural heritage and diversity today can be seen as an endless conundrum for those not fitting into the context of being “complex”. Homogenous societies have “a way” of centering attention towards exoticizing difference or viewing diversity as a confusing and foreign entity. On the contrary, it is a beautiful reality that is flourishing worldwide. For these reasons and many more, I wish to partake in positive dialogue and artistic collaboration in this residency. I believe this residency will be an awakening towards vibrant creations from collective pasts.
Akiko Jackson: "Mother Earth." 72”H x 24”W x 34”D, wet clay, detail
Akiko Jackson: "Heritage Braided & Roots Embraced." Installation, black resin and synthetic hair, details
Akiko Jackson: "Beyond Borders." 25 ft x 8 ft, hair netting, detail
Akiko Jackson: "Vantage Point," 2011
lo studio dei nipoti 
Your work looks amazing. I hope I get to see it in person sometime. Brava.
Interessante una bella ricerca e indagine creativa, tattile e tridimensionale. Guardando le immagine delle opere si prova una grande emozione visiva ed emotiva. Spero avere l’occasione di toccarle e vederle dal vivo.
awesome work akiko…your work has really evolutionized.