Visual Arts
Highlights
“IN-Between” is the title of an installation of the work by the Seattle architectural firm of Suyama, Peterson Deguchi. This inaugural exhibit opens Jan. 14th at the Gould Court in the UW College of Built Environments. Remains on view through Feb. 22nd. Free and open to the public. Presented by The College of Built Environments’s Gould Pavillion. 224 Gould Hall on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-7679 or beinfo@uw.edu.
It’s a new year and some galleries are opening it with group exhibitions that show a bit of new work from all the artists they represent. Gallery I/M/A has a Group Exhibition through January. 123 South Jackson St. in Pioneer Square. (206) 625-0055 or go to www.galleryima.com. Traver Gallery also opens the year with a “Gallery Artists Group Exhibition” on view through Feb. 28th with an opening reception set for Jan. 8th from 5 – 8pm. This gallery is particularly known for the many glass and ceramic artists they represent. 110 Union St. #200 in downtown Seattle. (206) 587-6501 or go to travergallery.com.
The work of photographer/installation artist Megumi Shauna Arai is included in a group show entitled “In the Absence of…” guest curated by Klara Glosova and Sierra Stinson at Greg Kucera Gallery through Feb. 14th. 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770 or go to www.gregkucera.com.
“@ Large: Ai Wei Wei on Alcatraz” is the name of a new series of installations that this Chinese artist and political activist has put together. For someone who has been under house arrest for years and unable to leave the country, this artist has been amazingly busy producing work through the tools of the internet. This latest installation has seven pieces in four locations, offering a new cultural lens through which to experience the notorious military and federal penitentiary turned national park. Presented by the FOR-SITE Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the exhibition explores urgent questions about human rights and freedom of expression and responds to the potent and layered history of Alcatraz as a place of detainment and protest. To order advance tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/large-. For more information about the project, visit http://www.for-site.org/. On view through April 26th.
“Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Na Hulu Ali’I” presents the first exhibition of Hawaiian featherwork on the U.S. mainland developed in partnership with the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Around 75 rare and stunning examples of the finest featherwork capes and cloaks in existence will be shown as well as royal staffs of feathers, feather lei, helmets, feathered god images and related paintings and works on paper. Opens August 29th, 2015 and remains on view through Feb. 28th, 2016. De Young Museum at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. (415) 750-3600.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California presents “The Provoke Era: Japanese Photography from the Collection of SFMOMA” until Feb. 1, 2015. Highlights work done following the tumultuous era following World War II. Features work by Fukase, Hosoe, Moriyama, Tomatsu and others. 216 “O” St. (916 ) 808-7000 or try cam@crockerartmuseum.org.
Seattle ceramic artist Akio Takamori has a stunning new show of work entitled “EROS” at the Swiss gallery Kunstforum/Solothurn. Comes with a lovely catalogue. As ever, his juicy figures breathe life and the immediacy of emotion. For information, email info@kunstforum.cc.
The work of Z. Z. Wei and Kensuke Yamada is included in Patricia Rovzar Gallery’s “Celebrate Art – 22nd Annual Group Exhibition” from Dec. 4th – 31st. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273 or go to www.rovzargallery.com.
New and recent shows /activities at the Wing include the following – Celebrate Lunar New Year with a “Lion Dance And Lunar New Year Fair” on Sat., Feb. 7th from 11am – 3pm with lion dancers at 11am and then games, crafts and storytelling. On Feb. 21st at noon, a children’s storytime about Sydney the lamb and learn about defining qualities of a sheep in Oliver Chin’s “Year of the Sheep”. Free. The Young Family Collection of Qing Dynasty robes opened Jan. 15th and remains on view (see related article in this issue.) “Who Gets To Belong?” is an exhibit that looks at the Immigration Act of 1965 that lifted the quotas for Asian Pacific Isander immigration . This exhibit which opens March 5th from 6 – 8pm will look at the cultural and political climate that pushed for this act. Free. Sat., March 14th “Commemorating Wing Chong Luke” looks at the Museum’s namesake as friends evoke the memories of this progressive Chinese American local politician. 1pm. $9 suggested donation. Modrated by former Museum Executive Director Ron Chew. Story Time for Sat., March 21st will be around Oliver Chin’s “Julie Black Belt and the Belt of Fire”. Free at noon. Family Fun Day for March 21st at 1pm asks viewers to see the new “Who Gets to Belong?” exhibit and create a mixed media collage that honors your own family. Led by local artist Romson Bustillo. Free. “Do You Know Bruce?” is a major new show on the personal, intimate story of martial arts artist and film star Bruce Lee and the significance of Seattle in his life. Opens Oct. 4th with the full support of the Lee Family. The Wing is the only museum in the world, outside of Hong Kong, to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee’s life. The Lee family has plans to eventually open a permanent museum on Bruce Lee’s life and legacy in the Chinatown-ID neighborhood. This show will make for a good initial introduction. “RESIST – Asian American Acts of Struggle” remains on view through Jan. 18th, 2015. Wing Luke also co-sponsors a new exhibition “Voices of Nisei Veterans” at the Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) Hall. Oral history testimonies and rare collections tell the story of Japanese American veterans before, during and after World War II. “BOJAGI: Unwrapping Korean American Identities”, a new show on our local Korean American community opened Nov. 13th and remains on view through the spring of 2015. A new exhibit entitled “Puppet Power! Asian Traditions Come to Life” opened on July 19th. See innovative creations from Asian American puppet artists, video performances and hands-on puppet play. Created in partnership with the Northwest Puppet Center and the Valentinetti Puppet Museum. Still on view is “ART IN MOTION: The Evolution of Board Culture” From surf board to skate board, learn how Asian Americans have contributed to this thriving culture. Curated by Gabriel Goldman of Platform Inc. Includes the work of Wally Inouye, Nhon Nguyen, Nin Truong, Junichi Tsuneoka and Mike Yoshida. Free Fa- Still on view is “#iconic: Power and Pop Culture” which explores how Asian American pop icons are made and what it means to look up to – or challenge – these figures. “Hometown Desi: South Asian Culture in the Pacific Northwest” is a semi-permanent display that opened Oct. 3. It will explore the history of South Asians in this area up to the present. Family Fun Day on Sat. Feb. 21st from 1 – 3pm features Mizu Sugimura who will show you how to craft traditional Japanese plates of celebration. Free. A “Dumpling Tour” centered around restaurants in the local neighborhood is available in Feb. and March. If interested, contact the tour coordinator at (206) 623-5124×133.719 South King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org. Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. First Thursday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm. Third Saturday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm.
Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park – “Colored Vases” is the first work by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei acquired by Seattle Art Museum. The artist took ancient earthenware vases and dipped them in buckets of industrial paint allowing them to drip dry. By covering the surfaces with a new paint, what is underneath – like history itself – is “no longer visible, but is still there.” The irony is that they play on the question on and question authenticity issues that the artist likes to raise in today’s market for Chinese Art. First Free Saturday family activity takes place Feb. 7th from 11am – 2pm. Celebrate Lunar New Year with drop in activities like martial arts performances from Mak-Fai, music, dress-up for family and friends and a sketching tour. Create your own flip book with your own zodiac animal. For complete information on all events, go to seattleartmuseum.org.
“Nature and Pattern in Japanese Design” is a related exhibition to “Deco Japan” in two parts that will be shown at Seattle Art Museum downtown. Part 2 begins August 16th, 2014 and continues till April 19th, 2015. Coming August 30th is “City Dwellers: Contemporary Art from India” which looks at the shift towards urban centers and the culture and arts of the city. Organized by SAM from the collection of Sanjay Parthasarathy and Malini Balakrishnan. Bangalore-based artist Pushpamala N. discusses her work featured in this exhibition on Jan. 29th in Plestcheeff Auditorium at 7pm. Her series “Native Women of South India Manners and Customs” is a collaborative photo-performance with artist Clare Arni that raises questions about female representation, ethnography, colonialism and Indian modernity. “Visual Vertigo” is an intriguing new group exhibit of twelve Australian aboriginal artists whose canvases mesmerize you with their density of pattern. On view through July 6th, 2015. “Conversations With Curators” is for SAM members only and takes place on Wednesday nights between January and June. Kicking off the series, curator Xiaojin Wu in “See/Saw: Seeing Traditions in Japanese Contemporary Art” tackles the concept of “kawaii”, or cute, which is at the center of Japanese pop art and culture. Where does the concept come from and why is the portrayal of young girls a central theme? Jan. 21st at 6pm. Get tickets for events at http://tickets.seattleartmuseum.org/public. Visit sam.org or call (206) 654-3100.
Washington-based painter Lynda Lowe whose work is heavily influenced by both the scientific and metaphysical has her first solo exhibit in Seattle at Abmeyer & Wood Fine Art through Feb. 1210 Second Ave. (206) 628-9501.
“BAM Biennial 2014: Knock On Wood”, a group show of artists working with wood on view through March 29th, 2015. Includes work by Humaira Abid and June Sekiguchi. Bellevue Arts Museum. 510 Bellevue Way NE. Go to www.bellevuearts.org.
Photographer Wei Chen has work in a group show entitled “In With The New” at Gallery North in Edmonds. On view through Jan. 31st. 401 Main St. in Edmonds. (425) 774-0946.Go to www.GalleryNorthEdmonds.com.
Tacoma Art Museum has opened a new wing to accommodate the gift of a new collection. “ART OF THE AMERICAN WEST: The Haub Family Collection at Tacoma Art Museum just opened. Included in the present show is work by contemporary Chinese American artist Mian Situ. He creates epic paintings in the European tradition but inserts Chinese American immigrants as protagonists in scenes in which they’ve previously been missing. “Photographic Presence and Contemporary Indians: Matika Wilbur’s Project 562” is the first installment of Matika Wilbur’s ambitious project to capture contemporary Native American life by documenting people from all 562 federally recognized tribes in the US. The photography of Seattle photographer Chao-Chen Yang is included in a group show entitled “Northwest in the West: Exploring Our Roots”. This show explores the distinct identity of Northwest art and how it has adopted, adapted and reacted against its western roots. A theme particularly apt and timely since the museum is building a new wing to house their new collection of Western art. Both shows through the fall of 2015. Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Ave. (253) 272-4258 or go to TacomaArtMuseum.org.
Allied Arts Of Whatcom County and Chinese Cultural Festival in the Allied Arts Gallery present a show entitled “Masters of Chinese Art” on view through Jan. 31st. 1418 Cornwall Ave. in Bellingham. (360) 676-8548 or go to www.alliedarts.org.
Chinese painting by Ann Gan is on view at Parkland Gallery at 130 Park Lane in Kirkland through February. (425) 8271462.
Seattle artist Diem Chau has her work reproduced in a new book entitled “Big Art/Small Art” (Thames & Hudson) by Tristan Manco.
Juliet Shen will be in a group show entitled “Duwamish Artist Residency” set for March 5th – 26th, 2015 at Gallery4Culture. The show sheds light on the activities of twelve studio artists who gather every summer to work together for a week at various spots along the river. For details on their work, go to duwamishresidency2012.wordpress.com. Please note that as of 2015, Gallery4Culture will no longer have shows during the months of December and August. Shows continue during the other ten months.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in Portland has “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community” a show that celebrates the lives and contributions of Oregon’s Nikkei community, and evokes memories of shared experiences – from early settlement through the trials and tribulations of WWII and into the 21st century. Upcoming exhibit is “Before Memories Fade: Uncovering the Story of the Kida Family of White Salmon” tentatively scheduled to Open Nov. 8 and remain on view through Feb. 22, 2015. Open Tu. – Sat. 11am – 3pm and Sundays, noon – 3pm. 121 NW 2nd Ave. (503) 224-1458 or email info@oregonnikkei.org.
The Portland Fine Print Fair gathers some of the nation’s best print galleries in one room for one weekend only. Many of the galleries feature fine Japanese woodblock prints. Preview & reception on Fri., Jan. 30th from 6 – 9pm. Free admission on Sat. Jan. 31st from 10am – 6pm and Sun., Feb. 1st from 11am – 5pm. At Portland Art Museum’s Fields Ballroom. For details, go to www.portlandfineprintfair.com.
The Museum of Contemporary Craft. Upcoming April 17th – August 16th in 2015 is “The New Frontier: Young Designer-Makers in the Pacific NW”. 724 NW Davis St. in Portland. (503) 223-2654 or go to mocc.pnca.edu.
The Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver BC, Canada has the following. On view until April 6th is “Unscrolled: Reframing Tradition in Chinese Contemporary Art” which looks at how Chinese artists today view their tradition. Re-working traditional aesthetics in conceptual ways, artists use new forms and media – such as digital animations and site-specific installations-to provide a myriad of means to understand and examine traditions influence on visual culture in present-day China. Work by Ai Weiwei, Xu Bing, Yunfei Ji, Sun Xun, Chen Shaoxiong, Zhang Enli, Madein Company, Liu Jianhua, Qiu Shihua and Jennifer Wen Ma. In related news, VAC will launch a new Institute of Asian Art expanding its exhibitions, collections, programs and create a new endowed Senior Curator of Asian Art. Future exhibitions planned include a project with Tsang Kinwah, a major exhibition of contemporary art from India and the continued growth of the museum’s permanent collection of contemporary Asian Art. 750 Hornby St. (604) 662-4719 or go to vanartgallery.bc.ca.
“Meet Me at Higo” permanent exhibit- Part Two” presented and sponsored by the Wing is a multi-media presentation and self-guided tour that tells the origins and history of the store as a Japanese American five and dime. At Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. E-mail info@koboseattle.com or call (206) 381-3000.
Seattle ARTRESOURCE Gallery presents a mini-retrospective of the late Northwest painter Frank Okada through Jan. 25th. Okada’s work should be better known, his mastery of brush and color tonalities is unmatched but subtle. Layers of pigment brushed on meticulously brings forth an accumulation of shadings that culminate in a sublime meditation upon mood, spirit and color that can be easily overlooked by a casual glance. Take time to absorb the presence of each painting and you will be richly rewarded. Born in Seattle and the younger brother of noted Seattle writer John Okada, author of the classic Northwest/Asian American novel, “No No Boy” (UW Press), Frank Okada taught for almost 30 years at the University of Oregon in Eugene while at the same time maintaining a full-time career as an artist. He received his B.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy and spent time in New York during the heyday of the Abstract Expressionist movement. He also received Whitney, Fulbright and Guggenheim Fellowships and spent time in Europe and Asia before settling into a teaching career. Okada spoke of his work as “the remembrance of the anguish and subsequently the stoicism of (his) parents’ generation, as a consequence of their internment during the Second World War, which evokes a mesmerizing melancholy and sadness.” Seattle ARTRESOURCE Gallery is at 625 First Ave. upstairs in Suite #200. Hours are Tues. – Sun. from 10:30am – 5:30pm. (206) 838-2695 or email staff@seattleartresource.com.
In conjunction with the Henry Art Gallery’s current exhibition by Ann Hamilton entitled “the common S E N S E” on view through April 26th, 2015, the museum presents a series entitled “ARTBREAKS” in which artists, scholars, and community members present different ways to think about and relate to the materials and ideas in the art on view. Local writer and poet Shin Yu Pai will speak and lead a poetry writing workshop on Jan. 24th at 2:30pm. On Sat., March 21st at 2:30pm, musician and sound artist Susie Kozawa will speak. All events take place at the Henry unless otherwise noted. Visit henryart.org for tickets and more information.
ARTSWEST Gallery in West Seattle. Trung Pham and Edward Lee are part of a group show entitled “On Capturing Transient Bodies” that also includes the work of Patty Haller, and Ingrid Lahti. Opens Jan. 15th and remains on view until March 7th. 4711 California Ave. N.W. (206) 938-0339 or go to artswest.org. Open Thurs. – Sat.
Korean American Seattle-based fashion designer Jean Glover and husband Craig Glover open their new store located in Pacific Place highlighting their sophisticated women’s designs and a sneak preview of their upcoming spring 2015 line.
“Hand and Wheel – Contemporary Japanese Clay” looks at the long-standing ceramic tradition in Japan and surveys the work of modern ceramic artists working from the traditional to the contemporary. Organized by the Portland Art Museum and curated by Maribeth Graybill, Ph.D., The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Asian Art. On view through June 21, 2015. 1219 S.W. Park Ave. (503) 226-2811. (206) 432-8288. Frye Art Museum is at 704 Terry Ave. or go to to www.fryemuseum.org.
KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown/International District always has interesting shows of new ceramic work or work that conveys an Asian aesthetic. Go to koboseattle.com for updates. 604 S. Jackson St. (206) 381-3000.
“Red Ribbon Salon” is a group show of Northwest artists including the work of Paul Horiuchi. Remains on view until Dec. 23rd. Seattle ArtREsource Gallery. 625 First Ave. #200. (206) 838-2695 or go to seattleartresource.com.
“Live On: Mr.’s Japanese Neo-Pop” – The disaster of the March 11, 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident came as both a shock and inspiration for Japanese Neo-Pop artist Mr. In response he created a massive installation composed of everyday objects from Japanese life. It forms the centerpiece for this show with a series of new paintings and other work. Organized by SAM, this retrospective is his first solo exhibition in a U.S. museum. A protégé of Takashi Murakami, the icon of Japanese Pop art and a member of the otaku subculture, Mr.’s work is marked by an obsessive interests in anime and manga. This exhibition is organized by SAM in collaboration with Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd., Galerie Perrotin and Lehmann Maupin Gallery. In the Tateuchi Galleries of the Seattle Asian Art Museum and remains on view until April 5th, 2015. “Conceal/Reveal: Making Meaning in Chinese Art” is a show that features a collection of Chinese Art curated with the intent of drawing a thematic line of “layered meaning” between all pieces. Opens Dec. 20th and remains on view through June 21st, 2015. 1400E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.
Curator/sculptor/installation artist June Sekiguchi unleashes a whirlwind of activity by showing the fruits of her creative labors in various guises/projects/exhibitions and we are the richer for it. Her massive piece entitled “Pineal Canopy” comprised of 36,000 hand tied knots dipped in wax and threaded through 368 router pinecone disks is included in the BAM Biennial “Knock on Wood” on view through March 29th, 2015. 510 Bellevue Way NE. (425) 519-0770. As a compliment to the Bellevue Arts Museum show, ArtXchange Gallery will feature a three -person show of their gallery artists in “Knock on Wood” at their space from Dec. 4th – Jan. 31st, 2015. The work of June Sekiguchi, Humaira Abid and Elaine Hanowell will be on view with opening reception on Dec. 4th from 5 – 8pm. 520 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org. “Taki” (waterfall in Japanese) is a site specific piece to be permanently placed in the Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery of Seattle Municipal Tower inspired by the famous woodblock print by Hokusai entitled “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces”. 700 5th Ave. in downtown Seattle on the 6th floor. This piece can be seen from Oct. 23rd, 2014 on along with other pieces by Marita Dingus, Humaira Abid and Gustavo Martinez as curated by Preston Hampton. Finally Sekiguchi will be involved in a group show entitled “The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human” which intends to examine the stigma and silence surrounding mental illness. A variety of people, from mental health advocates to community leaders/organizations will come together to speak about mental illness and its effects on our society. Sekiguchi’s son, Quin Breeland has created QR code links to the artists’ works and will have an audio/visual experiential multi-media piece. Opening reception for this show is Jan. 9th, 2015 from 4 – 6pm. Tours by artists paired with mental health professionals are scheduled throughout the exhibition. Sekiguchi tours with Eli Hastings, marriage and family counselor and assistant director of Pongo Teen Writing on Jan. 13th at 12pm. At Seattle City Hall at 600 4th Ave. in the 4th floor lobby and Anne Focke Gallery.
“Anchor Zero” is the first solo museum exhibition by Seattle vocalist/composer Jessika Kenny. Now on view through Feb. 1st. Her work has been influenced and inspired by Persian and Javanese singing. Rooms of sound and visual installation immerse the visitor in an aural environment for all the senses. Activities include a workshop on Jan. 29th at 10am,Artmaking class and tour on Jan. 24th at 2pm and a performance by Kenny on Feb. 1st at 2pm. Frye Art Museum at 704 Terry in Seattle. Free admittance. (206) 622-9230 or go to www.fryemuseum.org.
“Near/Far” is the title of a show by former Seattle Cornish student Lauren Iida now living in Cambodia. Her show of intricate paper cutaways Guest Curated by David Strand help her process and preserve her experiences with the people of landscape of that country. She is working on literacy campaigns and establishing libraries for children in rural areas. Her work explores notions of figure and place that transcend geographic and cultural borders. On view through Jan. 23rd in the Entry Gallery. Gage Academy Of Art at 1501 10th Ave. E. in Seattle. (206) 323-4243 or email info@GageAcademy.org.
“Chiang Mai Art: “A Thai Print Studio” highlights the print art scene in this ancient Thai city to the North. Traditional and contemporary printmaking from students at Chiang Mai Art on Paper Studio. Show on view through Jan. 3lst. Davidson Galleries at 313 Occidental Ave. S. in Pioneer Square. Go to www.davidsongalleries.com for details or call (206) 624-6700.
Seattle artist Paul Komada’s latest show “On The Stove” combines new works from the series “Knit/canvas paintings” and “Chroma Key Paintings” at Seattle’s SOIL Gallery through January. 112 Third Ave. S. in downtown Seattle. Go to www.soilart.org for details.
Seattle photographer/educator Carina del Rosario has the following events now up or upcoming. Her “Passport Series” is on view until Feb. 9th, 2015 in the Paul Schell Gallery at the Mayor’s Office in Seattle City Hall. On view by appointment only. Starting from March 2015, a selection from Carina’s “Passport Series” will be included in Wing Luke Museum’s upcoming post-1965 Immigration Act exhibition. For complete details on all these events, contact the artist direct at carina@cadelrosario.com.
ArtXchange Gallery presents the following – “Against the Grain” is a group show showcasing the work of gallery artists Humaira Abid, Elaine Hanowell, and June Sekiguchi currently featured in Bellevue Art Museum’s “Knock on Wood” biennial exhibition. The show includes carved wood, site-specific installation, painting and scroll-cut sculpture. Remains on view through Jan. 31st. Painter William Song has his first solo show exhibiting his non-representational paintings that range from pure color fields to patchy swaths that use several hues spread by the deft strokes of a painter’s knife. Opening reception is Thurs., Feb. 5th from 5 – 8pm. Remains on view through March 28th. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377 or go to artxchange.org. Open Tues. – Sat.
Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon presents “Roger Shimomura: Works on Paper” which will open Nov. 8th and remain on view through Feb. 1, 2015. Organized by Director John Olbrantz to complement the travelling exhibit, “Roger Shimomura : An American Knockoff” which opens at the museum next January. The exhibition features 29 prints drawn from local and regional collections, including works from his “Minidoka Snapshots” and “Minidoka Identities” suites, both of which deal with internment camp issues. “An American Diary” is the title of a talk by Shimomura set for Jan. 23rd Willamette University Rodgers Music Center. Also appearing is former Oregon poet laureate Lawson Fusao Inada. 7:30pm. For details on this talk, call (503) 370-6265 or go to www.willamette.edu/go/mlktickets to reserve free tickets.900 State St. in Salem, Oregon and part of Willamette University. (503) 370-6855 or go to willamette.edu/arts/hfma.
“What I am seeking (now) is an expression of anguish, but not something depressing that ends in self-pity…not to show off my anguished feelings but a form of humor that laughs off such emotions. It is close to nonsense.” So would write the late Japanese artist Tetsuya Ishida (1973-2005). A melancholy man opens his shirt to reveal a detailed map drawn or tattooed upon his torso. Behind him, a line of bright fire stretches across a blue stream. Later, a remarkably similar face appears in the seat of a baby’s stroller, a toddler in red overalls guiding it through the grass. Next, the head is transported into the cab of a backhoe, an open beer tilled from the bucket, filling a glass extended by someone out of frame. This is the world of Tetsuya Ishida. “Tetsuya Ishida: Saving the World with a Brushstroke” is the first U.S. exhibition of paintings by this artist, who died in 2005. Ishida blended dreamlike realities with everyday life and melancholy isolation with bizarre wit, producing a body of work that triggers strong emotions but actively resists easy explanation. Now on view until Feb. 22nd at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco at 200 Larkin St. downtown. (415) 581-3500.
“Japanese Impressions from the Vault: The Rare, the Beautiful, and the Bizarre” is on view until Feb. 8th, 2015. On view till June 7, 2015 is “Elegance & Nobility: Modern & Contemporary Korean Literati Taste”. And finally “Vistas of a World Beyond: Traditional Gardens in Chinese Material Culture” is on view until July 5, 2015.University of Oregon Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene. (541) 346-3027 or visit jsma.uoregon.edu.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has a number of Asian art shows on display now. Oct. 31st – Jan. 25th is a group show entitled “Shin Hanga: The New Print Movement of Early 20th Century Japan” which look sat the new print movement that replaced ukiyo-e prints in popularity in the 20th century. 1040 Moss St. (250) 384-4171 or go to aggv.ca.
Every fall, the Brower Center in the Bay Area presents the Art/Act Award & Exhibition, created to honor established artists who have dedicated a significant part of their careers to using art’s unique transformative power in the service of activism. In 2014, the Center recognizes internationally acclaimed sculptor, architectural designer, and environmentalist Maya Lin, known most widely for her Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but whose most recent work has focused on threated ecosystems. ART/ACT: Maya Lin is on view till Feb. 4th, 2015. The show will highlight the fragility of bodies of water around the world such as the San Francisco Bay and Tuolumne River. For details, try http://www.browercenter.org/exhibitions/maya-lin. In further news, it was announced that Maya Lin has won the $300,000 Gish Prize. This prize was established by Lillian Gish’s will to be given annually to “a man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind’s enjoyment and understanding of life.” Lin will collect the award at a prevent event at the Museum of Modern Art on Nov. 12th. Lin was chosen from among 100 nominees in all fields of the arts. The playwright David Henry Hwang was the chairman of the selection committee and stated that “With her design for the Vietnam memorial, Maya Lin created arguably the most important piece of public art of our time. Since then, she has continued to achieve greatness, through a singular vision which has come to embrace her passionate concern for the environment – in America, China and throughout the planet.” Lin is currently engaged with an ongoing multisite work, “What Is Missing?,” which combines art and science to increase awareness about the loss and biodiversity and natural habitats.
South Korean ceramic artist Jae Yong Kim, presently based in New York where he teaches at Montclair State University is profiled in TWELV Magazine out of New York City. Email info@twelvmag.com for details.
“Takahiro Iwasaki: In Focus” is the Japanese artist’s first solo museum exhibition in the United States. The exhibition comprises a newly commissioned work by the artist known for creating detailed miniature landscapes using found and recycled materials. The transformation of these objects from trash into sublime sculpture underscores the artist’s belief in the “duality of chaos and order imprinted on everyday life.” For this show, the artist selected as his inspiration a pair of seventeenth-century Japanese folding screens from the Asia Society Museum Collection, titled “Flowers and Grasses of the Four Seasons” His newly crated work will be shown alongside the six-panel screens which are part of the Rockefeller Collection. On view January 27th – April 26th, 2015. Asia Society Museum at 725 Park Ave. in New York City. Go to AsiaSociety.org/museum for details.
Jeong Jo-mun was born in 1918 in Korea, a Japanese colony at the time. He moved to Kyoto, Japan with his parents when he was 6. He worked as a businessman in Japan until the end of World War II, always struck by the beauty of Korean white porcelain he found at antique shops. After more than thirty years collecting ceramics and crafts from Korea, he opened the Koryo Museum in his own home so that young Korean residents in Japan could view works from their home country. A year after the museum opened in 1988, Jeong died at the age of 70 but his legacy lives on. For years interest and attendance for this lone museum on Korean arts and crafts in Japan was sparse. But now with renewed interest from Korean nationals such as Choi Sun-il, a South Korean researcher at the Northeast Asia Buddhist Research Institute in Seoul and Whang Cheol-mean, a film professor at Sejong University in Seoul, attendance and interest has perked up. Whang did a documentary film about the museum with donations from supporters in South Korea and Japan and that film will hit theatres in Korea in January. The South Korean government has also offered financial assistance through their Cultural Heritage Administration to make signage in Korean and English as well as improvements for the website. This information taken from a story by Akira Nakano in the Asahi Shimbun.
SURFACE is a New York-based magazine that focuses on contemporary design and fashion but their latest issue (Dec/Jan.) is their annual art issue which in this case, looks at China. Stories covered include an interview with artist/restauranter Michael Chow about the divide between China and the West, Ink Studio in Beijing which features work by artists doing contemporary work within the brush painting tradition, the mirage-like paintings of Cui Jie, Curator Wang Chunchen’s exhibition on China’s cultural changes and its relationship with the future at Michigan State University, one of the world’s most comprehensive Chinese photography exhibitions on view at Stavanger Art Museum in Norway and multi-media artist Wang Jianwei’s solo show at the Guggenheim. Go to surfacemag.com for details.
The Korea Furniture Museum is a private museum outside of Seoul. It was started by Director Chyum Mi-sook who has present the last 20 years collecting over 2,500 pieces of traditional Korean furniture and other household items. The museum opened in 2008. Chyung said it was up to her generation, “those of us who lived through the lost 100 years, (a reference to the war years and Japanese occupation)” to bring back the lost bits of Korean life. “I think my talents lie in serving as the glass through which people can reawaken to the refined beauty of Korean life.” Taken from a story in the Korea Times. Guided tours in English as available by reservation only. +82 -02-745-0101 or email contact@kofum.com.
The Springtime Art Foundation of the Netherlands presents “North Korean Hidden Treasures Revealed”, an exhibition of paintings by North Korean artists, some of whom are international award-winners. This marks the first exhibition of North Korean artists held in South Korea. This show has already toured Europe. Jan. 29th – March 6th. At Kintex, Hall 6A in Seoul. O31-995-8183 for information.
Performing Arts
Highlights
Seattle Shakespeare Company offers a new production of the Bard’s “Measure For Measure” Jan. 6th – Feb. 1st. It will be directed by Desdemona Chiang (see related story in this issue) and includes Cindy Im and Moses Yim in the cast. Go to www.seattleshakespeare.org for details.
Hokubei Hochi, SCID pda, INERIM CDA and Chinatwon International District Business Imrprovement Area join forces to co-sponsor the Chinatown/ID 2015 Kickoff at the grand re-opening of the Nagomi Tea House on Jan. 22nd at 519 – 6th Ave. S. Open House at 4:30pm, Program at 6:30pm and Mingle at 7pm. With complimentary wine, beer and refreshments. The Tea House is also available for rent for events. Call (206) 519-5461 for details.
Comfort Food with Bob Antolin plays The Rolling Log at 50 E. Sunset Way in Issaquah on Fri., Jan. 23rd from 9pm on. Go to http://www.facebook.com/TheRollingLog for details.
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma presents a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado” set for Feb. 6 at 7:30pm and Feb. 8th at 2pm at the Rialto Theatre. On May 16th, Northwest Sinfonietta presents “The Taiwanese Connection”, a classical concert highlighting Taiwanese contemporary composer Gordon Chin’s premiere of his composition dedicated to Taiwan. Also Taiwanese violinist Mae Lin plays Mendelssohn’s Violin concerto.7:30pm at the Rialto. 901 Broadway in Tacoma. (2530 591-5840.
Seattle Symphony plays host to a full season of events. Here are some highlights. “Celebrate Asia!” is the annual East meets West signature Seattle Symphony event set for March 1st. Carolyn Kuan conducts the orchestra in a program of music by A. R. Rahman, Yugo Kanno in a Seattle Symphony Commission U.S. Premiere and music by Tan Dun. Musical guests include Chiaki Endo on koto, Dozan Fujiwara on shakuhachi and Meeka Quan DiLorenzo on cello. Yuja Wang returns as piano soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas in a program of Britten, Gershwin and Shostakovich on April 1st. April 21st brings the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to town under the baton of Myung-Whun Chung with Sunwook Kim on piano. Yo Yo Ma, cello virtuoso plays one afternoon only with the Symphony on May 3rd at 2pm. On May 26th, violinist Pinchas Zukerman performs with pianist Angela Cheng. Visit Seattlesymphony.org or call (206)215-4747.
The work of costume designer UW grad student Maya Ogasawara can be seen in the current MFA Directing Thesis production of “Twelvth Night” on stage Jan. 26th – Feb. 8th at 7:30pm in the Meany Studio Theatre on the Seattle UW campus.
Stuart Dempster, Professor Emeritus at the UW School of Music leads his Bull Roarchestra (including sound artist Susie Kozawa and percussionist/composer Paul Kikuchi) in performance in the exhibition room for the current exhibit “Ann Hamilton: THE COMMON SENSE” on Fri., Feb. 20th at 7pm. Visit henryart.org for tickets and more information.
Book-It Repertory’s adaptation of David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars” plays the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center March 13th – 28th, 2015. (206) 842-8569.
Soprano Haeran Hong sings in the Seattle Opera production of Richard Strauss’ “Aradauf Naxos” set for May 2 – 6th, 2015. Go to http://seattleopera.org for details.
The Undergraduate Theatre Society at UW will present a new production of David Henry Hwang’s play, “Yellow Face” as directed by Elizabeth Wu from Jan. 22nd – Feb. 1st, 2015. When Tony-Award winning playwright Hwang protests the casting of a white actor as the lead Asian Character in the musical “Miss Saigon”, he becomes the poster boy for Asian American rights in the 1990s. But in a comical twist of fate, he mistakenly casts a white actor in the lead Asian role of his own play. As he attempts to pass the character off as a Siberian Jew, the playwright himself is forced to question the constitutions of race, identity and nationality in this satiric send-up documentary of Hwang’s life in the theatre. Presented by the Undergraduate Theater Society in association with the School of Drama at Cabaret Theater in Hutchinson Hall. Go to http://artsuw.org/event/yellow-face for details. For a sidebar, read Elizabeth Wu’s blog on the experience of being a first-time director. Go to the link, drama.washington.edu/new/2014/12/17/elizabeth-wu-faces-fear-rehearsal-room.
Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym of singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi. He was born in Seattle but grew up in Virginia where his parents were professors at Old Dominion University. Besides singing, Kishi Bashi plays guitar, violin, keyboards and programming which adds to his multifaceted sound which has been variously described as indie pop, indie rock, psychedelic/pop, electronic and experimental. Plays the Neptune on Tues., Jan. 27th at 8pm. Elizabeth & The Catapult open. 1303 NE 45th. (206) 682-1414 or go to http://www.stppresents.org/neptune.
Town Hall Seattle “Global Rhythms” series has the following. Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole sweeten the romance on Valentine’s day with a performance of Hawaiian music and dance. Sat., Feb. 14, 2015 at 8pm. The Hamsaz Ensemble play a concert entitled “Iran Through the Centuries” on Thurs., March 26, 2015 at 7pm. Rounding off the “Global Rhythms” Series is Saigon’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre featuring Rup Tung Cack on Fri., May 15th at 8pm. This is a 1,000 year-old folk art form. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or email info@townhallseattle.org or go to townhall.org for details.
The Nile Project was inspired by Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Project. Egyptian musicologist Mina Girgis and Ethiopian American singer Meklit Hadero follow the source of the river and combine the musical riches of musicians from 11 countries lined by the Nile Basin. Expect to hear a concert of music from the polyrhymic styles of Lake Victoria and the Ethiopian highlands onto the shores of Egypt and Sudan. Fri., Jan. 30th at 8pm. Meany Theatre on the Seattle UW campus. Go to uwworldseries.com or call (206) 543-4880.
Yvonne Lam plays violin and viola with Eighth Blackbird, considered one of the best contemporary classical ensembles playing cutting-edge compositions by contemporary composers today. They perform on Sat., Feb. 7th at the Jones Playhouse in Seattle Center at 7:30pm. Part of the UW World Series. For details, call (206) 543-4880 or go to uwworldseries.org.
ACT Young Playwrights Program presents a “Young Playwrights Festival” set for March 5th – 7th. Features eight award-winning plays from ACT’s Fall-in-school Young Playwrights Program in which young playwrights from 12 – 18 years old work with adult actors and directors from Seattle and participate in rehearsals to bring their plays from the page to the stage. One of the playwrights is Madeleine Lo from Seattle Academy whose play entitled “The Doctor in the Aoi Dai” will be performed in Program B. For details call (206)292-7676 or go to acttheatre.org.
UW Music collaborates with the student-led Improvised Music Project for a series of concerts for IMPFEST VII with a house band of UW instructors and visiting faculty and jazz studies students. Hard to go wrong with a band consisting of Steve Swallow, Chris Cheek, Bill Frisell, Cuong Vu and Ted Poor. May 1st – 3rd, 2015. All performances at the Ethnic Cultural Center on 3931 Brooklyn Ave. NE in Seattle. $20 general and $12 students. (206) 543-4880.
It’s always refreshing to hear young talent. Trio Andromeda consisting of violinist Allion Salvador, cellist Hye Jung Yang and pianist Li-Cheng Hung won the 2014 UW Strings and Piano Chamber Ensemble Competition. They give two concerts in 2015 on Jan. 31st at 4:30pm and Sat., May 30th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.
Seattle Opera has announced their 2015/16 season under new General Director Aidan lang. It marks a return to full-year programming with a total of six operas,, new productions and a world premiere. Many productions will also highlight new Asian and Asian American performers. Coming in August is “An American Dream” based on true stories from the Northwest. The opera tells the story of a Japanese American family forcibly removed from an island in Puget Sound during WW II. Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Adam Lau and Hae Ji Chang perform the roles of the family. Judith Yan makes her Seattle Opera debut, as conductor of the orchestra. Jonathan Lemalu, a Samoan from New Zealand makes his Seattle Opera debut singing the role of Nourabad in Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers” next. Finally, Director Lang returns to stage directing Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”. Chinese-born bass-baritone Shenyang makes his Seattle Opera debut as Figaro. McCaw Hall at Seattle Center at 321 Mercer St. (206) 389-7676 or try 1-800-426-1619 or go to tickets@seattleopera.com.
Cirque Du Soleil’s latest production entitled “KURIOS – Cabinet Of Curiosities” appears under the big top Jan. 29th – March 22nd at Marymoor Park. For details, go to cirquedusoleil.com/kurios.
Srivani Jade, Indian vocalist is the UW Winter Quarter Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist. She gives a recital with her students on “Hindustani Khyal Music from India” on tues. , March 10th at 7:30pm in Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880. $5 tickets. (206) 543-4880.
UW School of Music alumna Wendy Yamashita, now a faculty member at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa returns to UW Seattle to give a “Master Class and Recital” on April 28th and 29th, 2015. Expect a program of Mozart and Chopin for the 28th recital at 7:30pm with $15 tickets. The April 29rd Master class is free and starts at 4:30pm. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.
Advance warning – Noted award-winning jazz pianist Vjay Iyer will be one of the many highlights of the Portland Jazz Festival set for Feb. 18th – March 11th. Tickets available at PDXJazz.com or call (503) 328-5299. Also Korean American jazz saxophonist/singer Grace Kelly headlines the 48th Annual University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival from Feb. 25th – 28th. More at (208) 885-7212 or go to uidaho.edu/jazzfest.
Seattle composer/musician/performance artist Byron Au Yong remains busy as always. He is working on “TRIGGER” with writer Aaron Jafferis prompted by the April 16th tragedy at Virginia Tech, where a Korean American student shot 32 people and then killed himself. He is also working on a performance piece entitled “TURBINE” for over 88 singers and nine dancers set for May at the Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia. Current compositions are for a piano trio entitled “Lost Fireflies” and Mo Sheng: Ink Sound for string quartet.
Bay Area performing arts couple “First Voice” consisting of performance artist/storyteller Brenda Wong Aoki and composer/musician/jazz bassist Mark Izu has a lot of creative irons in the fire. Their new project entitled “SUITE J-TOWN – The Art Of Resilience” has its world premier in the May of 2015 in San Francisco’s Japantown community. It pays tribute to the 100-year history of Japantown through music, dance, visual art, story, sound collage, video and site-specific installations performed in different historic sites. Created by First Voice with the collaboration of the next generation ‘hapa’ artists, “the project will rediscover and strengthen the soul of a community in an effort to continue our presence in today’s rapidly changing San Francisco landscape.” Other projects include a new commission with conductor Kent Nagano, Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal in a work for chamber ensemble, story and dance. The concert will be workshopped in San Francisco in the Spring and premiered in Montreal in August 2015. Locally we can expect to see Brenda and Mark come to Seattle with a production entitled “Uncle Gunjiro’s Girlfriend” August 12th, 2015, a tale from Brenda’s family history. For booking information you can contact calartists.com or the artists direct at www.aokizu.com.
Film & Media
Highlights
The 2015 Children’s Film Festival Seattle takes place Jan. 22nd – Feb. 7th at Northwest Film forum. Many short films from Asia are included. 1515 – 12th Ave. on Capitol Hill. Go to childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org for information.
“The Dam Keeper” is an animated short film by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi that has been nominated for an Oscar in the category of “Short Films in Animation” category. It will be shown in as part of a series at Seven Gables Theatre set to open on Fri., Jan. 30th. 411 N.E. South off Roosevelt in the University District.
The Seattle Asian American Film Festival returns with a new offering of the best in contemporary Asian American film from Feb. 12 – 15th at Ark Lodge Cinema located at 4816 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 721-3156 or go to arklodgecinemas.com.
“The Search For General Tso” is a documentary film tracing the origins of Chinese American food through what is arguably America’s most popular takeout meal – General Tso’s Chicken. The film follows the journey and origins of this food across America. Screens Jan. 16th – 22nd. Grand Illusion Cinema. 1403 NE 5oth in the University District. (206) 523-3935.
In the wake of the earlier success of Gareth Edwards’ Hollywood version of “Godzilla”, the Japanese film studio Toho reversed itself, saying that it will do a new version of the monster set for 2016 release after initially saying it had made its last Godzilla film in 2004.
“The Interview” was not the only film that initially suffered over the North Korean controversy. New Regency Films has decided to abandon their film project entitled “Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea”. The film was an adaptation of Guy Delisle’s 2005 travelogue graphic novel based on the Quebec artist’s two-month stay in the city while working for a French company. It was to have been directed by Gore Verbinski with Steve Carrel in the lead. The director had this to say about the decision to abandon the project. “I find it ironic that fear is eliminating the possibility to tell stories that depict our ability to overcome fear.”
The Written Arts/Talks
Highlights
Seattle poet Michelle Penaloza in the January 2015 issue of CityArts in the cover story “2015 Future List – Meet the artists and innovators who will shape the year to come”. Copies available free around the city. Her latest project “landscape/heartbreak” are poems inspired by walks with people who volunteered to discuss personal trauma in the context of landscape. In related news, Penaloza joins fellow Washington writers in a group reading from the latest issue of the New England Review in which all the writers have new work published. Wed., Jan. 28th at 7pm at Hugo House.1634 – 11th Ave. (206) 322-7030 or go to hugohouse.org. And finally, Penaloza will read with Washington Poet-Laureate Elizabeth Austin on the theme of public and private landscapes as part of the WordsWest Literary Series curated by West Seattle writers Katy E. Ellis, Susan Rich and Harold Taw. The series appears every third Wednesday at C & P Coffee Company. March 18th at 7pm. 5612 California Ave. S.W.
Gardner Center For Asian Art And Ideas presents Saturday University in partnership with the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies and Elliott Bay Book Company a new series of lectures entitled “Crossing the Indian Ocean: Asia/Africa Connections. Every Saturday at 9:30am at Seattle Asian Art Museum’s Stimson Auditorium. Topics include the following – Feb. 7th is “How Much of Our History Is Written in Our Genes?, Feb. 14th is “Ancient Networks of the Indian Ocean”, Feb. 21st is “African Rulers, Generals, Sufi Saints and Court Elite”, Feb. 28th is “A Moveable Feast: Sufi Festivals from the Silk Road Indian Ocean”, March 7th is “Decorative Arts in the Age of Slavery”, March 14th is “Calligraphic Abstraction: Modern Art in Asia and Africa”, March 21st is “A Global Health View:China and Africa”, March 28th is “Everybody Was Kung Fiu Fighting: Afro-Asian World” and finally on April 4th, “Understanding China’s Booming Relations with Africa-Historical perspectives”.1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. For more information, please go to www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Also just out is Hugo House’s schedule of “Creative Writing Classes – January – April, Winter 2015. This Seattle institution is a haven for writers seeking to hone their craft through workshops, classes and readings by local and nationally known writers. Some highlights include the following –Poet, translator and author EJ Koh teaches a class entitled “The Novel You Want To Write VS. The Novel You Need To Write” Feb. 25th to April lst. Seattle author Bharti Kirchner teaches a class entitled “The Everyday Personal Essay” on Jan. 24th. Seattle poet and recent Jack Straw Writing Fellow Michelle Penaloza teaches a class entitled “Let’s Get Poetical: Poetry Calisthenics” Jan. 13th – Feb. 17th. Western University Professor and Award-winning poet Oliver De La Paz teaches “Your Poetic Obsessions” on Feb. 28th. UW graduate student and published poet Jane Wong teaches a class entitled “Short But Not Sweet: Writing Short Poems” on Feb. 28th and March 7th. Schedules are available around town or go to hugohouse.org for details. Hugo House is located at 1634 – 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill. (206) 322-7030 or go to hugohouse.org.
“Author, Poet, and Worker: The World of Carlos Bulosan” is a new exhibit on view from through March 13, 2015 at the Allen Library Basement – Special Collections Lobby and Reference Room. In commemoration of the centennial of poet and author Carlos Bulosan’s birth, the exhibit draws on the papers of Bulosan, the cannery workers union, and various Filipino American labor leaders and community members within the broader context of Seattle’s Filipino American community and the progressive political culture in which he participated.
Seattle paper cut artist/activist Lauren Iida and her Antipodes Collective is currently in Cambodia distributing donated books for their children’s library in Prasot village in Cambodia. Donations fund things like pre-class meals for students, library construction and materials. For details on this project, or their first book entitled “In My Village” by Lauren Iida & Carolyn R. Hall, go to www.theantipodescollective.org.
Christian G. Appy reads from “American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity” (Viking) on Mon., Feb. 16th at Town Hall Seattle at 7:30pm. Appy is Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or go to www.townhallseattle.org.
One finds it hard to keep up with the steady stream of new titles coming out even in the limited categories of works by or about Asian Americans and new titles on Asia but here’s a recent sampling:
Frank Chin’s long-lost novel, “The Confessions of a Number One Son” (once entitled “Charlie Chan On Maui”) written during the 1970’s when he was stranded on the islands is finally seeing the light of day. It will be published by the University of Hawai’i as edited by Calvin McMillin. Set for March, 2015 publication. Chunks of the book were seen in a different format as the play-in-progress “Gee Pop!” back in the 70’s.
Anne Elizabeth Moore’s books on her experience in Cambodia continues with “New Girl Law: Drafting a Future for Cambodia” (Cantankerous Titles). Moore works with young Cambodian girls in a year-long process to re -write the staunchly traditional and repressive Chbap Srei, a 17th century book intended to establish a code of conduct for young women. The book details that experience and how it affected the women involved. Go to cantankeroustitles.com for more information.
The late Ming Cho Lee was one of the most respected set designers in the history of American theatre. His new approaches radically altered the direction of American set design in the 20th century. “Ming Cho Lee – A Life In Design” (TCG) by Arnold Aronson is a book that looks at his life, his influences and lays out pictorially and in text, his major set designs for theatre productions across the country during his entire career.
“A Map of Betrayal” (Pantheon), the new novel by Ha Jin looks at the complex loyalties of a Chinese American spy who considers himself a patriotic citizen of both countries and the tragic results of those beliefs.
“The Seventh Day” (Pantheon) is the latest novel by Chinese writer Yu Hua. What happens to a young Chinese man who meets an accidental death and must roam the after world aimlessly, lacking the money for a burial plot. Hua tells his story as he encounters the souls of the people he’s lost.
“Soundtracks Of Asian America – Navigating Race Through Musical Performance” (Duke) is a new book by Grace Wang. In it she explores how Asian Americans use music to construct narratives of self, race, class, and belonging in national and transnational spaces.
Wave Books publishes poetry books but also has a pamphlet series. Each pamphlet is usually sent out to subscribers but a few copies of the latest Wave Pamphlet: Nine by local poet/writer Don Mee Choi entitled “Freely Frayed,ᄏ=q, & Race=Nation” is currently available for sale at local all-poetry bookstore, Open Books located in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Essays consist of lectures Choi gave at AWP 2014 and a “Race & Creative Writing Conference 2014” at the University of Montana, Missoula on Korean poet Kim Hyesoon, the Korean language and a talk entitled “Reading Race”. 2414 N. 45th St. (206) 633-0811 or email store@openpoetrybooks.com.
Art News/Opportunities
Artist Trust At Large provides information for artists across the state. On Jan. 31st at noon they will be at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma with speakers and artists there to give you the scoop on how Artist Trust can help your career. Also help Artist Trust out by attending or donating art for their 2015 Benefit Art Auction set for March 7, 2015 at Fisher Pavillion Seattle Center. For details, go to artisttrust.org. There is a Also writers may wish to apply for the 2015 EDGE Professional Development Program for Literary Artists with a deadline of Jan. 27th. 2015. Go to www.artisttrust.org for details.
Recipients of the 2015 City Artist Project include the following – Percussionist/composer Paul Kikuchi to create an online interactive experience of a multi-faceted website with music, photos, writings and historical recordings with a “Meet the Artist” event to discuss the event. Musician/composer William Satake Blauvelt to create new music/sound scores for two Japanese silent film classics, “Jujiro” and “A Story of Floating Weeds”. Musician Christopher Icasiano to compose, produce and present a new recording with a student ensemble.
The application deadline for the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association’s Female Jazz Vocalists (one high school-aged and one adult female jazz vocalist) is Feb. 2, 1015. Winners will travel to Kobe, Japan and be guest vocalists at the 16th Annual Kobe Shinkaichi Jazz Vocal Queen Contest. For details, go to www.seattlekobe.org/jazz_vocalist_audition_2015.htm.
Congratulations to local percussionist/composer Paul Kikuchi and nationally known fiction writer Monique Truong who were among five finalists to receive U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowships for 2015. Each recipient will spend a total of three months doing research in Japan.
An Arts and Social Change Showcase of visual and performing artists will be presented to presenters who book local talent in our region followed by a reception at Bellevue City Hall. Jan. 27th . At Meydenbauer Center at 11100 NE 6th St. For details, go to ascsymposium@gmail.com. For more information, try http://www.artsandsocialchange.org/save-the-date/.
Neil Sussman’s popular tax workshop is back to guide artists and their attorneys. Thurs., Feb. 5th from 6:30pm – 9pm. Photographic Center Northwest at 900 – 12th Ave. For details, email info@thewla.org.
It’s with sadness we note the passing of a contemporary cultural landmark in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The counter-culture café Honyarado recently burned down. It was started by photographer/community organizer Kai Fusayoshi in 1972 with his folk singer, poet and therapist friends and quickly became a center for community activism for local, national and international causes. Early causes were a movement to support a folk singer friend being prosecuted for obscenity and a “Campaign for the Release of South Vietnamese Political Prisoners”. For years it supplied coffee and cheap meals to nearby Doshisa University students. During the radical years of the peace movement, the café was known as a “Folk Mecca” of Kyoto because of the musicians who gathered there not to mention the many readings by local and internationally known poets such as Kenneth Rexroth, Gary Snyder, Garrett Hongo and the Japanese “Oral-Ha” group. I myself, have warm memories of reading poetry there and giving talks on Asian American artists. Gathering places like Honyarado are important centers for community activism and the arts that comes out of such activity. Rest in peace, Honyarado.
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