Glenn Akira Kaino (born in 1972) is an American conceptual artist based in Los Angeles. He is fourth-generation Japanese-American.

His work includes drawing, painting, sculpture, video, and performance. His large-scale installations and site-specific sculptural works are infused with sociopolitical commentary, pop culture issues, and interdisciplinary references. His work is a balancing act between the worlds of art and technology. He served as the chief creative officer for the late digital music startup, Napster, and created an experimental, independent web platform for the dissemination and sharing of contemporary art.

This wall sculpture is from a series titled “Bridge” and is part of an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Tommie Smith, the athlete and activist famous for his protest at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics where he raised his gloved fist in the air on the medal stand. The gesture, seen around the world and preserved in images that still resonate today, became a catalytic symbol for myriad beliefs, ideas and social causes.

On this day 50 years ago, Mexico City held its opening ceremony for the Games of the XIX Olympiad. Athletes at the Games used their platforms to bring attention to one of the most violent years in world history. The most notable example happened on October 16, 1968.

Glenn Kaino shares stories about inventing toys as a child, finding inspiration, and being trapped in an avalanche in the latest installment of 6 questions. "A Shout Within a Storm" is on view now through April 22. For more on Glenn visit contemporaryartscenter.org/exhibitions/2017/11/glenn-kaino

Work appears in

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), Newport Beach, California
Pittsburgh International Airport
Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City; and the Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany.