Ameya Marie Okamoto, a Japanese-Taiwanese-American multidisciplinary artist, activist, and nail technician, is using her isolated journey to shed light on Asian American identity.

Ameya Marie Okamoto

Through her artwork, particularly her nail art, she delves into topics such as identity, social status, exploitation, and the impact of forced migration on individuals’ perceptions of their bodies.

Last year, Ameya began doing nail art from her dorm room, and she quickly became captivated by the connection between nail art, service work, and Asian American identity, drawing inspiration from her own immigration story.

She points out that many Asian immigrants, including her grandparents, arrived in America to work in service-oriented roles.

Ameya’s ongoing project, known as the #GoingHomeAgainProject, serves as a reminder of the forgotten history of Asian Americans.

She is traveling throughout the United States via train, purposefully visiting and commemorating significant sites relevant to the Asian American diaspora and the fight for civil rights.

One of Ameya’s primary goals is to challenge the conventional notion of Asian America through her art and educate younger generations about their often-overlooked histories, which are not typically taught in schools.

In addition, she recognizes the struggle that arises when individuals lack representation and role models who resemble themselves, making it difficult to envision their potential.

Through her work, Ameya Okamoto aims to bring Asian American stories to the forefront, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of their experiences and contributions.

Furthermore, she hopes to empower individuals and promote inclusivity in society.