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June 25, 2024

Artist Spotlight: Nikita Ares

Nikita, a Filipino Female with black hair is sitting on the steps of Day One near the Spheres in South Lake Union. She is smiling with one hand under her chin and one arm resting on her knee. Beneath her you can read in chalk" @Nikita.Licious, Nikita Ares and Urban ArtWorks."

Nikita Ares is a Seattle-based painter originally from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. She received her BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in 2018. Her works consist primarily of drawing and painting that includes movement, energy, and consciousness.

“The symbiosis between movement and energy creates an inseparable relationship that permeates my work,” she explains. Nikita’s art uses both traditional and modern styles to explore the vibrations of people, objects, and nature. As a collaborator with Urban ArtWorks, her abstract paintings invite viewers to expand their awareness, offering a glimpse into a universe of interpretations and vulnerabilities.

Join us as we learn more about Nikita Ares.

Nikita sitting on the Day One steps in South Lake Union. Nikita is sitting in the center of the rainbow in the chalk art design she created.

Nikita, a Filipino Female with black hair is wearing a lavender shirt, lavender jacket, white pants and white shoes. She is sitting on the steps of Day One near the Spheres in Salt Lake Union. She is smiling with her hands resting in her lap. you can see the chalk art design she created painted in chalk paint on the stairs.

Tell us about your Urban ArtWorks involvement.

I started being involved with Urban ArtWorks in 2021 when I was a part of the project with Tukwila Parks, and got to paint an 8×4 ft surface for the Bicentennial Park bathroom. That was the first time I’ve heard of Urban ArtWorks, and have been involved with different projects over the years. For 2022, I designed two traffic boxes with Urban ArtWorks for Uptown Alliance and Seattle Storm. I also was chosen to design the Pride staircase for June 2022 by the Amazon Spheres. For 2023, I designed four pieces for the Bellwether Housing art activation project. And for 2024, I recently designed and painted the mural for Pride month of June.

Nikita laughing and walking in front of the stairs with the design she created painted with chalk on the staircase behind her.

Nikita, a Filipino Female with black hair is walking towards the camera in front of the steps of Day One near the Spheres in South Lake Union. She is laughing with both hands raised beside her. Behind her you can see the lines of a rainbow and other colorful design elements in chalk painted with chalk paint on the staircase.

Can you describe a memorable moment during a mural project with Urban ArtWorks?

Painting the staircase murals will always be the most memorable moments for me because the Urban ArtWorks team and volunteers have been so fun and inspiring to be around. The energy is always positive and uplifting and I always end up getting to know more about the amazing artists involved throughout the project.

Can you share a memorable collaboration you had with community members or other artists while working on a mural with Urban ArtWorks, and if it influenced the final outcome?

During the most recent mural project, one of the artists who helped paint the staircase accidentally painted one of the shapes a different color, and it actually was better that way because the color contrasted the shape beside it. I think sometimes my mind gets muddy from looking at a design for too long, and it’s always refreshing to see different perspectives outside of my own. Happy accidents are the best!

A close up image of the steps with details of the chalk paint, very small splatters of yellow and orange look like abstract art.

A close up image of the steps at Day 1 in south lake union. Yellow, white and orange chalk lines are visible in a pattern. There are very small splatters of yellow and orange that look like abstract art.

Do you have any stories about how a mural you created impacted the community where the mural was located, particularly in terms of community engagement and pride?

No particular story but receiving messages from people about the Pride mural has been an incredible honor. Learning about the profound impact the art has had on individuals, especially in terms of feeling seen and recognized, has been truly inspiring.

What is public art and why is it important?

Public art plays an important role in community engagement and the beautification of specific locations. It has the power to challenge individuals, offering new perspectives and provoking thought, while also providing comfort and inspiration in daily life.

Nikita standing under a rainbow balloon archway smiling with one hand on her hip. The rainbow of balloons show the Pride Flag colors including the colors Black and Brown to represent queer People of Color, and baby blue, pink and white to represent the Transgender flag.

Nikita, a Filipino Female with black hair is standing under a rainbow balloon archway in front of the Spheres in South Lake Union. She is smiling with one hand on her hip. She is wearing a Lavender shirt with a lavender coat. White pants and white shoes. Above her the rainbow of balloons make the Pride Flag colors including the colors for Black, Brown to represent queer People of Color, and baby blue, pink and white to represent the Transgender flag.

How does your heritage or identity influence your artwork? Do you incorporate elements of your identity, culture or history into your mural projects?

I do! I was born and raised in the Philippines, which was always sunny and colorful. I try to bring and replicate that energy in my art because the colors remind me so much of home.

Can you tell us about the mural you are creating to celebrate Pride? We will be sharing this during the month of Pride and would like to know how you celebrate Pride

For this design, I wanted to emphasize on vibrant colors and dynamic movement to symbolize the essence of self-expression for queer individuals. I wanted to portray the desire to freely express one’s true identity and emotions without fear of judgment or restriction. The magical ambiance evoked reflects the liberating feeling that comes with embracing and celebrating one’s authenticity and uniqueness within the LGBTQ+ community.

Nikita is sitting on the steps at Day One in South Lake Union, smiling with both hands on her knees. The stairs around her are decorated with the chalk art design she created.

Nikita, a Filipino Female with black hair who is wearing a lavender shirt, lavender jacket and white pants is sitting on the steps of Day One near the Spheres in South Lake Union. She is smiling with both hands on her knees. All around her you can see the chalk art design she created painted in chalk paint on the stairs. There is a yellow swirl and a rainbow to the left. Nikita is sitting on the stairs at the end of the rainbow. to her right is a blow cloud with orange, red and pink diamond shaped stars. There are colorful swirls and rainbow patterns through out.
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