Artwork copyright Nikita Ares. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Nikita Ares. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2022.

Artwork copyright Nikita Ares. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2022.

Rainbow Town, 2019

Nikita Ares
(Filipino, born 1996)

Location: Simcoe Elementary, Wapato

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Nikita Ares’ paintings aim to show the relationship between movement and energy. Her intention is “to depict the bond between the flow of energy and the chaos of movement towards order, luring the viewer to expand their own interpretation, perception, and awareness.” The vibrant energy of the Philippines and her own state of being inspire her lively colors and festive marks.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Philippe Hyojung Kim in 2021 at Simcoe Elementary, in Wapato, Central Washington. The local art selection committee stressed the following interests: artworks that represent Wapato’s diverse families and its rural and agricultural communities; the connection to the Yakama Nation; and artworks that focus on balance and are reflective of young minds.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Wapato School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Nikita Ares creates expressive and colorful paintings and drawings. She describes her art as “[focusing] on the symbiosis between movement and energy, which inseparable relationship is translated through my work. This is deeply rooted in my fascination of the vibrations and dynamics between people, objects, and nature.”

Born in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, Nikita Ares moved to the United States at age sixteen. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 2018. She is based in Seattle.