As an illustrator, Yuko’s depiction of people and architecture establishes a world with boundless potential for different bodies, speeches, and philosophies to flourish.
They are interested in exploring how art intersects with traditionally “non-art” fields—healthcare, affordable housing, community development, and food justice—to help bridge complex topics to the general public in an intimate, emotional way. Their work invites co-creators and participants to imagine the flow between people, landscapes, systems, and ideas. By visualizing the linear or even cyclical nature of our environments, Yuko believes people can work and care more collaboratively and honestly with each other.
Okabe holds a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Their illustration practice received recognition from the Society of Illustrators NYC, Society of Illustrators LA, Creative Quarterly, the Boston Center for the Arts Studio Residency, and 3×3 The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Through grants and fellowships, Okabe’s community arts practice received support from the New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island School of Design’s Maharam STEAM Fellowship, and the Enterprise Community Partners’ Rose Fellowship.
Media Gallery
Food justice as social equity. Illustration responding to the article, "A scoping review of the conceptualizations of food justice."Yuko OkabeIllustration for the Chinatown Cultural Plan, showing the diversity and longevity of arts and culture in Boston's Chinatown.Yuko OkabeIllustration for Thirst for Humanity 2021, showing the need for water access for asylum seekers crossing into the U.S. border.Yuko OkabeLeft side of a two-window mural showing the communal joy of Hot Pot. Created for Q Restaurant in Chinatown with Pao Arts Center.Yuko OkabeRight side of a two-window mural showing the communal joy of Hot Pot. Created for Q Restaurant in Chinatown with Pao Arts Center.Yuko OkabeFor the Salem Mural Festival.Yuko OkabeFood justice as environmental sustainability. Illustration responding to the article, "A scoping review of the conceptualizations of food justice."Yuko OkabeLiving and the Lived, a painting of a Japanese butsudan altar which sits in many Japanese homes. This gives a space to have reflection and conversations with ancestors.Yuko OkabePrivate commission of a house. Includes local creatures like a neighborhood cat, bunny, groundhog, and eagle.Yuko Okabe
