Artwork copyright Nikita Ares. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Nikita Ares. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Jenn Cohen, 2023.

what hope looks like, 2022

Nikita Ares
(Filipino, born 1996)

Location: Ferndale High School, Ferndale

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Nikita Ares' what hope looks like reminds us that there is always brightness and vibrancy in everyday life. Ares explains, “Yellow has always symbolized hope & joy for me... This painting, especially to younger folks, intends to also make art more fun and playful instead of something intimidating and hard to digest.”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Tami Landis in September 2023 for Ferndale High School, in Whatcom County, Northeastern Washington. The collection is rooted in a creative spirit of admiring and honoring our connection to the lands and sea of this region. The artworks also share a theme of diversity and inclusivity. They speak to all walks of life, in all seasons, and act as a symbol of welcoming for years to come.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Ferndale School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Nikita Ares creates expressive and colorful paintings and drawings. She describes her art as “[focusing] on the symbiosis between movement and energy, which inseparable relationship is translated through my work. This is deeply rooted in my fascination of the vibrations and dynamics between people, objects, and nature.”

Born in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, Nikita Ares moved to the United States at age sixteen. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 2018. She is based in Seattle.