What do You Want to Make Today?

At Biola's Spring 2012 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, contemporary artist Mako Fujimura examines the idea of imagination through the lens of both an unorthodox school in New York and the tragedy of September 11th. Fujimura teaches that every person is made by God to be creators and imagineers, and that we have the responsibility to do something good with this great power.

Makoto Fujimura is an artist, writer, and speaker who is recognized worldwide as a cultural influencer by both faith-based and secular media. A Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts (2003-2009), Fujimura has contributed internationally as an advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts. Fujimura’s work is exhibited at galleries around the world, including Dillon Gallery (New York), Sato Museum (Tokyo), The Contemporary Museum of Tokyo, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts Museum and Oxford House, Taiku Place (Hong Kong). He has painted live on stage at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall as part of an ongoing collaboration with composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra. A popular speaker, he has lectured at numerous conferences and universities, including the Aspen Institute, Yale, Princeton, the Q Conference, and IAM’s Encounter Conferences. IAM's seminal 2000 conference at New York University called "The Return of Beauty" featured Dr. Elaine Scarry ("Beauty and Being Just") and Dennis Donoghue ("Speaking of Beauty"). Fujimura’s second book, Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art and Culture, is a collection of essays bringing people of all backgrounds together in conversation and meditation on culture, art, and humanity. Fujimura founded the International Arts Movement in 1992.