“I work in several mediums but recently I have been working mainly with oil on canvas. The subject matter of my paintings varies though lately I find it appealing to combine architecture and landscape as my focus. Architecture is unique across the globe and signifies the region, localities, and cultures throughout the world, which interest me. I like to express what I see in a direction slightly different from the ordinary point of view.

My technique has a quality of flatness combined with a use of bright colors and gradual gradation of objects, which creates a visual illusion of perspective. My influence stems from 19th century Japanese Wood Prints Ukiyo-E, 19th century French Impressionism, and Post Impressionism, especially of Henri Rousseau.

I prefer to express my works with bright colors, which result in surrealistic presentation of subject matters. Bright colors signify Energy. Energy to combat my inner struggle as an artist and as a Japanese American searching for my own identity both cultural and racial in American society. Use of bright colors contrasts my individual identity crisis and helps me try to cope and to overcome rather than to express isolation within. I do not want the negative to rule me. I consciously and unconsciously express this desire in my work through colors.

My experience living in Japan and the US as well as traveling through Europe has exposed me to many cultures and intensified my vision and soul as an artist.”
Mariko Tabar

Mariko Tabar was born in Tokyo. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Mariko is active as an artist in Santa Barbara, California and Tokyo, Japan. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association and has been active as an art educator in California since 1990. Mariko is an art instructor in a local Santa Barbara elementary school district and is an active participant in many local non-profit organizations.

Mariko’s art works are in private possession with collectors throughout California, Japan, and Europe.