Worldwide network

Eiketsu Baba is a young man with vision. In July 2007, he created Attack Ebisu, a web site dedicated to showing the work of artists -- visual and performance -- from around the globe.

"I started this to create a platform where people all over the world could get together," he said. "Ninety percent of the artists never met in real life. So it's an artist community that's web based."

In less than a year, Baba's site has attracted the interest of scores of artists and today shows the work of some 80 of them.

From that large pool, Baba selected six artists (himself included) to feature in Attack Ebisu's first Honolulu exhibit, featuring 2D works on paper: "Color Less Delicious" shows through April 26 at Nuuanu Gallery at Marks Garage. The show travels to Los Angeles after the Hawaii stint.

Other artists include Lauren Clay of New York, Andy Ducett of Minnesota, Jim Gaylord of New York, Nicole Kita of Massachusetts and Kyle Usui of Hawaii. The show also includes two art magazines: "fukt," edited by Swedish artist Bjorn Hegardt and "Lovely Daze," edited by Charwei Tsai of New York.

Art runs in the Baba's family, which hails from Tokyo, Japan. Baba built ties to Hawaii after arriving here to study art at the University of Hawaii in 2001. His two brothers also attended UH; one also has an art degree, and Baba's two sisters-in-law have art degrees as well.

Baba says curating the exhibit brings special enjoyment as an artist.

"On the Web, the art is just an image," he says. "I have an art background, so I tend to like to see the actual works. I always believe the work itself is way bettter than just an image."

Nuuanu Gallery at Marks Garage, at 1161 Nuuanu Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and until 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call 536-9828 or visit nuuanugallery.com