Interloping Monkey is an online portfolio for San Francisco based photographer, Mia Nakano. 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 Spin Project, 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, markting co-ordinator, or administrative powerhouse. But secretly, Nakano likes working collaboratively more than anything else. Oh, and she likes cheese. A lot.
Through contributions to publications such as Hyphen, Mother Jones, Curve and regional non-profits like Asian American Dance Performances, Women’s Initiative Fund, and Spin Project, 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, markting co-ordinator, or administrative powerhouse. But secretly, Nakano likes working collaboratively more than anything else. Oh, and she likes cheese. A lot.
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.
The Visibility Project is made possible by the efforts and support of AQWA and is funded by The Astraea Lesbian Foundation.
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.
We are 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.
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.
We are 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.
