A monster mash-up would best describe the work of Jon Fukui. Fukui’s drawings and sculptures feature various arrays of creatures and characters seemingly from Japanese manga and anime, but created through the distinct lens of a Japanese American artist. Jon Fukui was a perfectionist, which is an unusual quality for an artist who so enthusiastically ventured into so many different mediums: painting, drawing, and most spectacularly, ceramics. Jon’s themes ranged from biblical to natural to cultural, often referencing his pride in his Japanese heritage. Jon was a truly beloved member of NIAD and his sudden passing at a young age affected the community deeply. Examples of his work and testaments to his creativity can still be found around the studio.
// Jon’s available work //
exhibition history
Mud Pie Mansion, organized by Kristin Farr // NIAD Online Exhibition // August 2023
What a Wonderful World! // An Exhibition in the Office Suite of Mayor Eduardo Martinez // NIAD Online Exhibition // February 2023
Redefining Contemporary Art // organized by Courtney Eldridge Depot Steamboat Springs 2019
Together // organized by Laurie Reid NIAD Art Center 2018
Microcosmic // organized by Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh NIAD Art Center 2018
All Of The Light // organized by Gina Borg NIAD Art Center 2017
Flying Like A Rock // Public Annex Portland Oregon 2017
Affinity // organized by Tim Buckwalter Museum of Northern California Art Chico 2017
Creature Feature // organized by John Casey NIAD Art Center 2017
Party Animals! // organized by Katie Johnson NIAD Art Center 2016
Rampage: The Monsters of Jon Fukui // NIAD Art Center 2014
City In Motion // NIAD Art Center 2014
Mud, Honey // NIAD Art Center 2013
You Are Here // organized by Robert Wuilfe NIAD Art Center 2013
recent press
Star 82 Review Issue 10.1, edited by Alisa Golden // March 2022
Savant Garde : A Man Of Many Monsters (July 2015)
San Francisco Chronicle: Rampage: The Monsters Of Jon Fukui (January 2015)