Keikyu Group 0724 Taxi Sign Painting

Most recently, I found inspiration in an unexpected place: Japanese taxi signs. This series of paintings is inspired by the photographs of Alexander James, as published in his book “Tokyo Taxi”. In many ways, the experience of taking a taxi ride can be similar to the experience of using technology to communicate and interact with others. While technology can certainly connect us to people from all over the world, it can also feel like a solitary and disconnected experience, particularly if we are using it as a substitute for in-person social interaction. Just as using technology to communicate with others can feel transactional and devoid of social connection, a taxi ride can sometimes feel similarly isolated and disconnected, even though we may be physically surrounded by other people.