Clint Yukio Taniguchi is a fourth-generation Japanese American from Hawai‘i and General Manager of Mairangi Arts Centre in Auckland.

Having lived and created art in Hawai‘i, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Aotearoa New Zealand, Clint reflects on how each place and culture has shaped his identity, creative practice, and understanding of belonging.

In this conversation, Clint shares how art helped him explore profound questions about existence, death, faith and meaning from a young age. He also discusses the importance of creating welcoming spaces where people—especially young people—can express themselves without being defined by their struggles.

From spontaneous late-night portrait sessions in San Francisco to community art projects in Tokyo and programmes supporting young people in Auckland, Clint shows that art can be much more than something displayed on a wall. It can help people feel seen, heard and connected.

This is a conversation about creativity, cultural identity, community, synchronicity and having the freedom to be yourself.