Given that artist Taiyo la Paix was born in Philadelphia, Pa., raised in Kyoto, Japan, and currently resides in nearby Asheville, we can only conclude that surroundings have had a huge influence over his bubbly paintings and drawings, which seem to encompass both the familiar and foreign. His creative style is clearly inspired by Japanese manga and anime, but there’s an American “supersize me” sort of vibe, as seen through a plump, busty and ditzy-looking blonde gal who appears frequently. Digging deeper through these illustrations — on exhibit at Winthrop University’s Rutledge Gallery through Oct. 25 — there’s also an emphasis on society and its endless obsession with consumerism.

Anita Overcash

Price: Free admission