Gary Bitsicas is a creative professional with expertise in video art, graphic and website design, and photography. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media from the University of South Florida. Gary serves as a Director of Digital Engagement, overseeing all digital communication channels and social media initiatives for a state-wide association. He currently resides in Columbia, Missouri with his wife Katina Bitsicas, an international video artist, and they enjoy traveling the globe to find inspiration and exploring new cultures together. From a young age, Gary has enjoyed the history and art of Japanese culture. He is an avid fan of various anime series, including Dragon Ball Z, Ghost in the Shell, and Naruto as well as a dedicated collector and player of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Artwork Essay

The overall design is constructed with paper-like imagery, similar to the designs found on origami paper. To the west, we have Mt. Fuji constructed from brown and white-toned paper, and to the east, the red sun. At the bottom of the design swirls the earth and the ocean. The circle of clouds in the center of the design represents unity between the US and Japan but also serves as a portal from one nation to another. In the center of the design, an art-deco style skyline of New York City’s iconic buildings is adorned with a Torii gate, symbolizing the transition between the mundane to the sacred, where citizens are gathered in celebration. In the parade proceeding through New York City, traditional cranes and a Shinto shrine fill the streets in celebration.  Flowing across the entirety of the design are sakura, representing renewal and optimism.  At the bottom of the design is a scroll where information about the festival can be added to promote the Japan Parade.

Aly is an illustrator from Colorado. A lover of animals and mythical creatures, her paintings often feature birds, rabbits, dragons, and phoenixes. The current focus of her practice examines the intersections between cultural traditions, tattooing, and storytelling. The legacies of Traditional Japanese tattooing, and master artists like Horiyoshi III and Horitomo, are just a few of her greatest inspirations. She hopes to continue learning about tattoo cultures around the world. Aly’s personal work also explores a variety of contemporary and historical references, often reflecting upon her Taiwanese-American identity. Outside of art making, she is a bookworm, growing yogi, avid hiker, and baker of all things sweet.

Artwork Essay

I combined iconic elements of Japan and New York to create a bright and cheerful work that captures the essence of this celebration. Japan Day 2023 is celebrated during the Year of the Rabbit, and bunnies from the two cultures chase a temari ball high in the sky together, a playful representation of their valuable friendship. While usually miles and miles apart, the bustling cityscape of New York is only a cloud away from a Japanese village just beginning its festivities. The unique intersection of Japanese traditions and American histories honored during this day are sprinkled throughout the piece, from the elegant paper arts all the way to the natural beauties of the landscape.