Tatsuki Hakoyama is a Japanese artist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Having experienced lifestyles in Japan, Samoa, and the United States, his work often reflects on how culture, community, and environment impact our identity and values. His allegorical figurative paintings are often carefully planned to invoke a sense of mystery, reflecting on the surreal intricacies embedded within the mundane. In addition to his professional studio practice, he teaches at Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College.
EDUCATION
2014
Master of Fine Arts in Painting, Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University
2011
B.S in Art (2D Concentration), Central Michigan University
AWARDS AND HONORS
2025
3rd Place Award. Behind the Mask Exhibition, Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO
Martin Maddox Prize for Imaginative Realism. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
2024
Award of Recognition. 80th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition, Swope Art Museum, Terre Haute, IN
West Michigan Asian American Association Community Award. ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Artists Bureau Award. Festival of the Arts Regional Art Exhibition, Grand Rapids, MI
Fourth Place. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
1st Place Juror’s Award. Midwest Regional Exhibition, Artlink, Fort Wayne, IN
Honorable Mention. Fields of Visions, Crooked Tree Art Center, Petoskey, MI
2023
2D Juror’s Award. Regional Arts Exhibition, Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, MI
Director’s Purchase Prize. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
Award Winner. West Michigan Art Competition, Lowell Arts, Lowell, MI
2022
Signature Artist LLC Award. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
Honorable Mention. West Michigan Art Competition, LowellArts, Lowell, MI
2021
1st Place Juror’s Award. Art Walk Central, University Art Gallery, Mt. Pleasant, MI
2020
Martin Maddox Prize for Imaginative Realism. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
2019
2nd Place Juror’s Award. Art Walk Central, University Art Gallery, Mt. Pleasant, MI
2D Juror’s Award. Regional Arts Exhibition, The Fed Galleries@KCAD, Grand Rapids, MI
Juror’s Choice Award. Away: Other Places, Cultures, and People, Golden Apple Online Exhibit
2018
Second Place. Investigating Identity, Kreft Art Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
2017
Finalist. Loeschner Art Competition, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI
2016
People’s Choice Award. Our Changing Climate, Art Reach of Mid Michigan, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Martin Maddox Prize for Imaginative Realism. West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
2015
First Place. FRESH Great Lakes, South Haven Center for the Arts, South Haven, MI
2014
Finalist. Loeschner Art Competition, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI
Vinecroft Studios Award. Regional Arts Exhibition, UICA, Grand Rapids, MI