A self-described artist, activist, and technology consultant, Nakano has honed her skills working on documentary projects in China, Japan, Nepal, and the US. The primary philosophies behind the imagery are commentaries on race, gender, politics, and the environment. Mia is currently a co-director and digital manager of RayKo Photo Center, a freelance photographer, and digital guru in training.
Through contributions to publications such as Hyphen, Mother Jones, Curve and regional non-profits like Asian American Dance Performances, Women’s Initiative Fund, and the Applied Research Center, Mia is able to lend her expertise as a photographer and technology consultant to make social justices using media. A strong background in photography and printing allows Nakano to produce diverse imagery for a variety of organizations. Unique and varied work experience empowers Nakano to lead projects as a commercial or artistic photographer, project manager, photo-editor, web designer, marketing co-ordinator, or administrative powerhouse. She is a photographer, web-designer, and printer for the Visibility Project, along with a multitude of other things.
Through contributions to publications such as Hyphen, Mother Jones, Curve and regional non-profits like Asian American Dance Performances, Women’s Initiative Fund, and the Applied Research Center, Mia is able to lend her expertise as a photographer and technology consultant to make social justices using media. A strong background in photography and printing allows Nakano to produce diverse imagery for a variety of organizations. Unique and varied work experience empowers Nakano to lead projects as a commercial or artistic photographer, project manager, photo-editor, web designer, marketing co-ordinator, or administrative powerhouse. She is a photographer, web-designer, and printer for the Visibility Project, along with a multitude of other things.
As a California native, I am inspired by warmth, skin, the diversity in experiences, and the complexity of humans. I live in Los Angeles and I make photos, mostly portraits, crafty mementos, small structures and installations. I am self-taught and hand-held by a team of inspiring mentors. My artwork explores themes of intimacy, identity, sexuality, and role playing.
AQWA's mission is to promote the visibility and empowerment of Asian and Pacific Islander queer women and transgender individuals and to build a supportive, progressive community through social, political and educational activism.
AQWA is a network of Asian and Pacific Islander queer and transgender individuals in the greater Los Angeles area. Our purpose is to create community, to increase our visibility and to build power within the API LGBTIQ community for social justice and equal treatment of our community through political organizing and conducting public education to combat racism, homophobia/heterosexism, sexism and all forms of oppression.
The Visibility Project has been supported by the efforts of AQWA and was partially funded by The Astraea Lesbian Foundation.
AQWA is a network of Asian and Pacific Islander queer and transgender individuals in the greater Los Angeles area. Our purpose is to create community, to increase our visibility and to build power within the API LGBTIQ community for social justice and equal treatment of our community through political organizing and conducting public education to combat racism, homophobia/heterosexism, sexism and all forms of oppression.
The Visibility Project has been supported by the efforts of AQWA and was partially funded by The Astraea Lesbian Foundation.
The largest photographic community center west of the Mississippi, RayKo is 12,000 square feet of everything photography. From traditional darkrooms to a professional digital lab, and fully equipped studio, if you're dreaming of a photographic project, you can probably do it at RayKo.
RayKo is a generous sponsor of the Visibility Project donating studio, print and finishing resources.
RayKo is a generous sponsor of the Visibility Project donating studio, print and finishing resources.
