Eric Nakamura has been called the unofficial ambassador of Asian pop culture. He has curated nearly 300 exhibitions, from California to New York, including the highly successful Giant Robot Biennales at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles and SuperAwesome: Art and Giant Robot,  currently on exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California. He has touched the lives of hundreds of artists around the world, several of whom credit him as being the single most significant force that impacted their careers.

 
In 1994, Nakamura created a "zine"- a self-published work, put together in his bedroom with scissors and glue, then photocopied. He couldn't find a magazine out there that fit his interests, so he created his own and named it Giant Robot. Rooted in punk and focusing on Asian pop culture and Asian American alternative culture, this new magazine struck a chord and soon found an audience with young Asian Americans.

"Some Asian American magazines came and went, and their problem was that they didn't say anything, and they tried to express words for everyone. If you're trying to make something unique, then it's best to stay with your tastes, since ultimately, that's what will make your product special." Twenty years later, Giant Robot has transitioned from a print magazine to a web presence , stores, and an art gallery-a place where many Asian American artists and fans loyally come on a regular basis.
 
On May 10, 2014, Nakamura will be at JAMsj to share his story as he talks about the West Coast's Asian pop culture influenced the art scene and the impact of Giant Robot.

Cost: Free with admission to the museum (non-members, $5; students and seniors over age 65, $3; JAMsj members and children under 12, free).

Contact PublicPrograms@jamsj.org or call (408) 294-3138 to reserve a spot.