Visual Arts
Highlights
“Thought Patterns” is a group show featuring artists and craftspersons working in diverse media and how they construct their ideas in patterned and repetitive ways. Features the work of Louise Kikuchi, June Sekiguchi and others. Oct. 10 – Feb. 14. A public reception for the artists on Oct. 10 from 2 – 5pm. Bainbridge Art Museum at 550 Winslow Way E. on Bainbridge Island. (206) 842-4431 or go to www.biartmuseum.org. Open daily. Free.
The City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture presents “Art Interruptions”, a series of ephemeral moments of surprise and reflection in the Central Area Neighborhood Greenway on view now through Jan. 3, 2016. See the work of seven artists including Naoko Morisawa, Carina del Rosario, Hanako O’Leary, Bayu Angermeyer, Esther Ervin, Alison Foshee and Sonya Stockton. For details or to get a map of locations, call (206) 684-7171.
Book art, the wonderful world of books made by artists doesn’t get the attention it deserves. These one-of-a-kind creations are as wide-ranging and creative as the imagination of the artists that make them. Locally, we have a whole room devoted to them at the new Bainbridge Museum of Art and the treasure that is the book art collection at UW Special Collections at the UW Library. Now we get another chance to enter the magical world of this art in a new group show put together at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building. “Unhinged: Book Art On The Cutting Edge” showcases over 70 works by 63 artists from the U.S., Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Includes work by Julie Chen and Long Bin-Chen. Curated by Barbara Matilsky. Sept. 27 – Jan. 3, 2016. 250 Flora St. in Bellingham, WA. 250 Flora St. (360) 778-8930 or email info@whatcommuseum.org.
“Genius/21 Century/Seattle” is a large-scale celebration of exceptional multidisciplinary and collaborative artistic practice in Seattle in the twenty-first century. Featured are over sixty visual artists, filmmakers, writers, theater artists, composers, musicians, choreographers, dancers, and arts organization. Artists participating in “Genius” were selected by leading arts writers and the Seattle artistic community to be recipients of “The Stranger Genius Award”. Eyvind Kang, Lead Pencil Studio, Susie J. Lee and D.K. Pan are among the list of distinguished artists included in this exhibition. The exhibition and its more than thirty-five events going on until Jan. 10, 2016. Frye Art Museum. 704 Terry Ave. (206) 622-9250. Admission and parking are always free. Closed Mondays.
The work of Kathy Liao is included in a group show entitled “Observing Observing – A White Cup” on view until Oct. 31. This show emphasizes the powers of observation over content with the motif of a white cup as a constant. Prographica Gallery at 1419 E. Dennuy Way. (206) 322-3851 or go to prographicadrawings.com.
Oct. 1 -31 brings a 10 year survey exhibition of Seattle artist Eunice Kim who works in the unique printmaking process of collagraphy. Davidson Galleries. 313 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 624-7684.
Hongzhe Liang and Mathew Bell present “A Translation Service”, a dual show of installation work through Oct. 17. Cornish instructor/sculptor Robert Rhee who ran an artist Airbnb earlier has a solo show of his own work made from gourds in cages. The work is stark, spare and ultimately moving if his earlier work in “Out of Sight” is anything to go by. This solo show is entitled “Winter Wheat” and is on view Nov. 5 – 28. Both shows at Glassbox Gallery at 831 Seattle Blvd. S. Go to glassboxgallery.com for details.
Collector Dr. David Paly has collected Japanese folk textiles for over 30 years. He will talk about “Tsutsugaki Textiles of Japan” on Sun., Nov. 1 at 1pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum’s Alvord Board Room in Volunteer Park. Tickets at the door (cash or check only) or in advance at www.friendsofasianart@earthlink.net. For information, call (206) 522-5438.
Alano Edzerza from Tahiti showcases his woodcarving, jewelry and prints in “Moving Forward” on view Nov. 5 – 28 at Stonington Gallery in Pioneer Square in Seattle. 125 South Jackson St. (206) 405-4040 or go to www.stoningtongallery.com.
Sculptor June Sekiguchi participates in COCA 24 Hour Art Making Marathon set for Nov. 11 – 12 . From 9am Nov. 11 through the night to 9pm Nov. 12, watch a group of Northwest artists of various genres create new work on the spot. There will be a silent auctioning off of the work created on Nov. 13 at 5:30pm. All proceeds benefit the non-profit arts organization. The Summit Building at 420 E. Pike. Email info@cocaseattle.org or call (206) 728-1980.
“Here’s What I Got” is a grab-bag of work by gallery artists including Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. Krab Jab Studio at 5268 Airport Way S. # 150. Nov. 14 – Dec. 5. For details, go to krabjabstudio.com.
“Rebels Of The Floating World” is the title of a forthcoming show featuring work by two acclaimed contemporary urban artists who explore our complex transitions between tradition and history. New work by Jonathan Wakuda Fischer who has turned the Japanese woodblock tradition on its head and made it contemporary and Louie Gong who will be showing a new series of paintings combining Native American and Chinese motifs. Remains on view through Oct. Artxchange Gallery. 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377.
New work by Megan Quan Knight opens Oct. 22 at ArtsWest Gallery. On view through Nov. 22. 4711 California Ave. S.W. (206) 938-0339 or go to artswest.org.
“Slash And Burn” is a group show curated by Suze Woolf that looks at artists who either cut or burn material to make their art. The work of Naoko Morisawa and June Sekiguchi is included. Opening reception is Dec. 11 from 6 – 8:30pm. Kirkland Art Center at 620 Market St. in Kirkland. (425) 822-7161.
Bellevue Arts Museum brings a wonderful show of handcrafted collaboration between husband and wife in “In The Realm of Nature: Bob Stocksdale & Kay Sekimachi. Individually and together, these two artists pushed the use of wood/paper as a material to new creative heights. Stocksdale specialized in the use of woods from around the world in his bowls. Sekimachi’s work inspires as visual poetry applied to material. Not to miss. Up until Oct. 18, 2015. 510 Bellevue Way NE. (425) 519-0770 or go to www.bellevuearts.org.
Opening Sept. 26th, ceramics by Reid Ozaki and Matt Allison. (206) 381-3000. KOBO at Higo. 604 South Jackson. Email is hello@kobo seattle.com.
Japanese ceramic sculptor Kensuke Yamada who exhibits locally at Patricia Rovzar Gallery talks about his work at Pottery Northwest on Oct. 24 at 7pm. Free. 26 First Ave. N. (206) 285-4421.
Photographer Michael Kenna has spent a considerable amount of time in Japan taking images of landscapes and still-lives. There is a pristine, precise delicacy to his work that catches every detail. A new series entitled “Forms of Japan: Photographs” comes to G. Gibson Gallery with an artist and booksigning reception set for Nov. 5th from 6 – 8pm. 300 South Washington in Pioneer Square. Go to www.ggibsongallery.com for details.
Fram Kitagawa is Director of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Trienniale, one of the largest art festivals in the world. He gives a talk entitled “Art in the Age of the Global Environment” on Nov. 12 at Henry Art Gallery. Free. 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St. (206) 543-2280.
“Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” is a show that should prove to be a family favorite. On loan from the Japanese American National Museum, the show lands in Seattle at the EMP Museum at Seattle Center on Nov. 14 and remains on view through May 15, 2016. The show looks on the history of the Japanese icon and her influence on popular culture. Includes an extensive product survey, with rare and unique items from the Sanrio archives, alongside a selection of innovative contemporary artworks inspired by Hello Kitty and her world. 325 – 5th Ave. N. (206) 770-2700.
Abmeyer & Wood presents the work of two contemporary sculptors, Erika Sanada and Calvin Ma. Sanada makes strange sculptures of animals and Ma turns robots into wooden action figures. Nov. 30 – Jan. 2. 1210 Second Ave. (206) 628-9501 or go to abmeyerwood.com.
“Mugen/Infinity” is a show of new work by local lighting designer Yuri Kinoshita who creates wonderful illuminated sculptures for rooms both private and public. Oct. 20 – 31 with tea ceremonies set for Oct. 23 & 24. Pottery Northwest at 226 First Ave. N. (206) 285-4421 or go to potterynorthwest.org/index.htm.
Oct. 18 is Building 30 West Open Studios. Free. 1pm – 5pm. Seattle artist Suiren (Renko Dempster) has a studio here. Tour these artists studios in Magnuson Park at 7400 Sandpoint Way NE. (206) 684-4278.
The Bemis Building is a large warehouse of artists studios and every year they have an open house and you can see the work and studios of the artists within. The Fall 2015 Bemis Art Show takes place Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 Free admission. 55 S. Atlantic St. in Sodo. Live music and entertainment. Go to www.bemisarts.com for details.
“Escapism” is the title of a group show at Vermillion. Includes work by Eva Yuewang. 1508 11th Ave. (206) 709-9797 or go to vermillionseattle.com.
On view through Oct. 17 is “Works by Northwest Master Paul Horiuchi (1906-1999)”. Woodside/Braseth Gallery. 1201 Western Ave. (206) 622-7243 or go to woodsidebrasethgallery.com.
The First Friday Lecture for Nov. 6 at Seattle Art Museum downtown is “Intimate Impressionism” by Chiyo Ishikawa, SAM’s Deputy Director for a Art and Curator of European Painting and Sculpture. She talks about items in the current traveling exhibition entitled “Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art” now on view at SAM. At 11am and free with museum admission.1300 First Ave. (206) 654-3210 or go to www.seattleartmuseum.org.
The Yakima Valley Museum has the current exhibit, “Land of Joy and Sorrow – Japanese Pioneers of the Yakima Valley” up until 2018. It tells the history of Japanese families who created a community there before the war. Only 10% of families returned to re-settle there after the war. 2105 Teton Dr. (509) 248-0741. In related news, a softball from this collection that saw play at Heart Mountain internment camp and owned by George Hirahara has been given to the Smithsonian and was on display in the incarceration section of the exhibit, “The Price of Freedom – Americans at War”. (As reported in the North American Post.) In other news, Hirahara’s Oregon photographs of the Japanese American post-WWII experience in the Pacific Northwest are now available online at Densho. To see his documentation of Nikkei Oregon life in “New Partner Collection: Frank C. Hirahara Photographs From The Oregon Nikkei Endowment”, go to http://www.densho.org/new-partner-collection-frank-c-hirahara-photographs-from-the-oregon-nikkei-endowment/. Also a profile of the Washington State University Hirahara Collection of photos from Heart Mountain is now featured on the Japanese American History Not For Sale Facebook Page by going to https://www.facebook.com/japaneseamericanhistorynotforsale.
Cascadia Art Museum is a new Northwest museum in Edmonds, WA. Their inaugural exhibition is entitled “A Fluid Tradition: Northwest Watercolor Society…The First 75 Years” on view through Jan. 3, 2016. It includes the work of George Tsutakawa amongst dozens of others. 190 Sunset Ave. in Edmonds. Go to cascadiaartmuseum.org for details.
Seattle ceramic artist Akio Takamori and Lead Pencil Studio (Annie Han & Daniel Milhayo) were both recipients of the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards given by the Portland Art Museum which will give all winners a group show which has been re-scheduled to run from Feb. 13 – May 8 in 2016. The extension will allow some artists to do brand-new work site-specific to the PAM space. “Anish Kapoor – Prints from the Collection of Jordan Schnitzer” remains on view until Oct. 25, 2015. The Portland Art Museum is at 1219 SW Park Ave. Go to www.portlandartmuseum.org for details.
Portland artist Robert Dozono has a show of new work entitled “Garbage Paintings and Other Works” at Blackfish Gallery Nov. 3 – 28, 2015. Opening reception is Nov. 5 from 6 – 9pm. 420 N.S. Ninth Ave. in Portland. (503) 224-2634 or go to www.blackfish.com.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art located on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene has the following – Opening Oct. 3 and remaining on view until Jan. 3, 2016 is “Expanding Frontiers – The Wadsworth Collection of Post War Japanese Prints”. Remaining on view until July 24, 2016 is “‘True’ Korean Landscapes & Virtuous Scholars” and “Benevolence & Loyalty: Filial Piety in Chinese Art” up until July 31, 2016. 1430 Johnson Lane. (541) 346-3027.
The work of noted Northwest ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina is included in SOFA, the annual expo show of sculpture, objects, functional art and design in Chicago. Nov. 6th – 8th, 2015. Opening night on Nov. 5th at Navy Pier. Go to sofaexpo.com for details.
New and recent shows /activities at the Wing include the following – Coming Thurs., Nov. 5 from 6 – 8pm is the opening of the show, “Tatau/Tattoo: Embodying Resistance. Explores the practices and cultural significance of tattoos, highlighting the unique perspectives of the South Pacific communities in the Pacific Northwest. Free. Members and special guests are invited to RSVP. Reception open to the public. “Khmer American: Naga Sheds Its Skin” opens on Thurs., Dec. 10 from 6 – 8pm. War has had a huge impact on Khmer culture and identity. Despite these challenges, the community continues to shape the US and Cambodia. Members and invited guests can RSVP at wingluke.org/calendar. 7pm open to the public. Free. “Tales of Tails: Animals in Children’s Books is a recent show to open at the museum. “CONSTRUCT/S” is a group show that presents a diverse group of six international, national and local female artists who will transform The Wing’s art gallery into a multi-sensory, interactive exploration of identity, subjectivity, history, culture and gender. It is curated by Dr. Stacey Uradomo-Barre. It remains on view through April 17th, 2016. Artists include the following – Terry Acebo Davis from California recreates her mother’s bedroom drawing upon the fact that she is suffering from dementia. This room is a place she yearns to return to and the piece deals with a fragmented narrative of memory, loss, identity, and Filipino American culture. Kaili Chun from Hawai’I has an interactive installation of man-made steel bars that unlock to grapple with issues of subjectivity and community and reflect the continuous socio-political negotiation of Native Hawaiians with the mainstream society. Yong Soon Min from California, after a career exploring Korean American Identity and colonialism now examines her own personal struggle of pain and trauma as she tries to recover from a cerebral hemorrhage that affected her ability to form language and memories. Min has shown previously in Seattle with temporary art installations. Tamiko Thiel (Germany) & Midori Kono Thiel (Seattle) present a mother-daughter collaboration combining traditional calligraphy with mobile technology. Their augmented reality installation virtually links art and culture with physical landmarks significant to the local Japanese American community. Lynne Yamamoto from Massachusetts went to Evergreen College in Olympia as a student. She has shown here previously with an installation at Suyama Space and a show at Greg Kucera Gallery. Her new piece here was inspired by the early 20th century tent houses of Japanese immigrant farmers. This work interweaves family memories and community history, evoking the migratory nature of the Japanese American farming community. She also has a public art commission at the Seattle Public Library planned as well. A catalog for this show is available. The Young Family Collection of Qing Dynasty robes opened Jan. 15th . “Who Gets To Belong?” is an exhibit that looks at the Immigration Act of 1965 that lifted the quotas for Asian Pacific Islander immigration. This exhibit which opened March 5th will look at the cultural and political climate that pushed for this act. “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. Year 2 of the exhibition opens Oct. 3rd, 2015 and digs deeper into the significance of Bruce Lee and his impact in media during a time of racial stereotypes and barriers. Includes text panels by national blogger Phil Yu (aka Angry Asian Man) plus Green Hornet toys, personal letters, behind-the-scenes photos from the sets of “Way of the Dragon” and “Enter the Dragon”, hand-written film notes, rare photos inside his early Chinatown studio and much much more. A new set of Bruce Lee’s Chinatown Tours begin Oct. 6th. A teacher workshop & curriculum training workshop is provided for the graphic novel “Fighting for America – Nisei Soldiers” on Sat., Oct. 10 from 8:30am – 3:30pm. Author Lawrence Matsuda and artist Matt Sasaki talk about how they created the book and will discuss how to incorporate it into your classroom discussion of the WWII Japanese American incarceration. Free or $20 with lunch. Contact cmano-shen@wingluke.org for clock hours. This workshop involves a short walk to the Nisei Veterans Committee Hall. “Immigrant Stories and Experiences Come Alive” is a special donor/member event set for Oct. 13 at 7pm. Participants will view scene performances from Seattle Repertory Theatre’s “A View from the Bridge” in the historic hotel space. Includes a panel discussion with experts & museum educators with snacks & wine. $15 with limited space. Buy tickets online or contact kherrod@wingluke.org. Artist, activist and nurse Terry Acebo Davis gives an artist talk and shares her experiences on how we care for our fragile elders in conversation with author, Professor Beter Bacho on Sun., Oct. 15 at 1:30pm. Davis’s installation is part of the “CONSTRUCT/S exhibit now on view. Free with museum admission and free for members. A “Toddler Storytime” is set for Thurs., Nov. 5 from 10am – 12pm. Kids will learn how to make a wish and listen to “Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World”. A fun art activity follows. Free. On Sat., Nov. 7 from noon – 2pm, Lane Wilcken, author of “Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern” talks about the history and culture of Paciic Islander tattoos. Q&A/book signing to follow. Presented in conjunction with the “Tatou/Tattoo” exhibit. There is a teacher workshop & curriculum training sesson entitled “Reimagine Belonging: Exploring Historical and Personal Narratives of Migration in the Classroom” set for Sun., Nov. 8 from 9:30am – 4:30pm. In conjunction with the “Belonging” exhibit and presented in partnership with Wings and Roots. $10 or $20 with lunch. Contact cmanoshen@wingluke.org forFun Day” set for Sat., Nov. 14 from 10am – 5pm gives you free gallery admission all day. Fun animal activities such as face painting, storytelling and an art exploration workshop. Find out how chickens are linked to the Wing. Something for everyone. Free. Pork Filled Productions present a staged reading of “Tale Of The Shining Yonsei” on Thurs., Dec. 3 from 6 – 8pm. Follow Akira, a 4th generation Japanese American as he looks to Japanese fairy tales for help in how the handle the intricacies of dating and following your heart. Free. To help celebrate Bruce Lee’s 75th Birthday, all Bruce Lee merchandise will be 10% off on the weekend of Nov. 28-29. A free gift with any $20 purchase while supplies last. “Shop-o-Rama” is a special event in the Marketplace with lots of local artist pop-up shops, an Asian American Santa, book promotions and great discount specials every Sat. from Nov. 14 – Dec. 21. Free cookies & cider and free giftwrapping. Members can double their discount and a limited Year of the Sheep glass with gift membership purchase. For details, go to wingluke.org/shop. The Museum is located at 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.
“Voices of Nisei Veterans – Permanent Exhibition and Collections” is composed of rare collections preserved by the Nisei Veterans Committee and tells the story of Japanese American veterans before, during and after WW II. Access is by pre-arranged tour only. For reservations or information, email info@nvcfoundation.org or tours@wingluke.org. Jointly sponsored by the NVC Memorial Hall and The Wing. 1212 South King St.
“Pacific Voices” is an ongoing exhibit that celebrates the language, teachings, art, and cultural ceremonies of seventeen cultures from the Pacific Rim. Burke Museum at the University of Washington. 17th Ave. NE & E 45th Streets. (206) 543-5590 or try Washington.edu/burkemuseum.
Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park – First Free Saturday family activity takes place from 11am – 2pm. “Paradox Of Place: Contemporary Korean Art” is a new show set for Oct. 31, 2015 – March 13, 2016 at the Tateuchi Galleries. This is the first major exhibition of Korean contemporary art in over a decade in Seattle. This show was put together in collaboration with Ms. Choi Eunju, former chief curator of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea. Six leading-edge Korean contemporary artists’ representative works will be in this show. Works range from mix-media, installation, video art, to photography, all of which are prominent forms in Korean contemporary art. Co-organized by the Seattle Art Museum and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea with generous support from the Korea Foundation. “Daybreak in Myanmar” is the title of a talk by photographer Geoffrey Hiller as he shares his work from Burma from 1987 to the present on Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7pm. “Saturday University” is a series of talks on art and ideas at Seattle Asian Art Museum every morning at 9:30am $10 admission. . The series includes the following – On Oct. 10, Karen Strassler, Associate Professor of Anthropoly at City University of New York talks about “Photography & Making of Indonesia today”. Julia Adeney Thomas, Associate Professor of History at Notre Dame talks about “Humanitarian Photography and Japan’s Atomic Pain: The Ethical Vision of Morizumi Takashi from Iraq to Fukushima” on Oct. 17. Oct. 24 brings Professor Douglas Fix of History and Humanities from Reed College who tackles the topic of “19th Century Portraits of Taiwanese Aborigines”. Oct. 31 Korean contemporary artist Jung Yeondoo talks about his work in the show “Paradox of Place: Contemporary Korean Art” (a new show opening the same day at SAAM) in a talk entitled “Dreams Come True, Almost”. Christopher Phillips, Curator at ICP, New York talks about “Chinese and Korean video Art” on Nov. 7. Deepali Dewan, Senior Curator of South Asian Arts at Royal Ontario Museum address the topic of “Paint and Photography in India” on Nov. 14. Yasufumi Nakamori, associate Curator of Photography at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will talk about the show he curated for that museum entitled “Experiments in Japanese Art & Photos, 1968-79” on Nov. 21. The Winter Saturday University Series will address topics under the theme of “Sites of Meaning: Cultural Heritage Preservation in Asia.” The opening lecture will be on Sat. Jan. 23rd at 9:30am and Stefan Simon, Director of the Yale University Institute for Cultural Heritage will kick it off. For complete information on all events, go to seattleartmuseum.org.
Seattle Japanese Garden recently celebrated its 55th anniversary. Upcoming events include the following – A Maple Viewing Festival is set for Oct. 11th. For more details, go to www.seattlejapanesegarden.org.
The 20th Annual Northwest Jewelry & Metals Symposium takes place Oct. 17 at Broadway Performance Hall at 1625 Broadway in Seattle. To register, go to www.SeattleMetalsGuild.org and click the “Programs & Events” link.
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. 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. “Art AIDS America” is a groundbreaking exhibition that underscores the deep and unforgettable presence of HIV in American art from the 1980’s to the present. The late Martin Wong has work in this show. Co-curated by TAM Chief Curator Rock Hushka and Dr. Jonathan Katz who directs the Visual Studies Doctoral Program at the University of Buffalo. Opens Oct. 3rd and remains on view through Jan. 10th, 2016.Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Ave. (253) 272-4258 or go to TacomaArtMuseum.org.
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. On view through Open Tu. – Sat. 11am – 3pm and Sundays, noon – 3pm. 121 NW 2nd Ave. (503) 224-1458 or email info@oregonnikkei.org.
“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.
The Art History Lecture Series with Rebecca Albiani for the upcoming year includes a series of talks on “Netsuke: Miniature Masterpieces of Japanese Sculpture” set for Jan. 14th at 11am and 7pm and Jan. 15th at 11am. The talk is repeated three times. To register, call (206) 432-8200.
Miyoshi Barosh and Maya Lin have painted glass prints in the group show “Pilchuck Print Shop”. Keiko Hara has work in the group show “From the Artist’s Eye – Works on Paper”. Both shows through Sept. 24. Opening Oct. 10 – Jan. 3, 2016 is “Not Vanishing: Contemporary Expressions in Indigenous Art, 1977-2015”, an important show that examines the evolution of the contemporary Native American arts movement and the works of artists living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and southern British Columbia. Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA. 121 s. First St. (360) 466-4446 or go to museumofnwart.org.
“Off site” is the title of an installation by Mumbai-based artist Reena Saini Kallat that re-creates immigration routes around the world using electric wire, circuit boards and speakers across a giant map. On view until Oct. 12th. Opening Dec. 11 and remaining on view until Jan. 24, 2016 is a survey of the work of South Korean contemporary artist Kim Beon. His conceptually driven videos, installations and drawings brim over with a warm sense of humor. Vancouver Art Gallery at 750 Hornby St. in Vancouver BC, Canada. (604) 662-4719 or go to vanartgallery.bc.ca.
“Mingei: Japan’s Enduring Folk Arts” is on view through Oct. 11th at the Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby, BC Canada. Over 100 works gathered from all over Japan attest to the power and joy of Japan’s folk art tradition. 6688 Southoaks Crescent. (604) 777-7000.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has the following shows – “First Look – Collecting Contemporary Art at the Asian” gives the museum a chance to open up their collection of new acquisitions and show new work by the likes of Yako Hodo, Yang Yungliang, Xu Bing and Zeng Chonglin. Up until Oct. 11, 2015. “Woven Luxaries – Indian, Persian and Turkish Velvets from The Indicator Collection” stays on view until Nov. 1, 2015. “Continuity And Pursuit” is a show of paintings by Yoong Bae until Dec. 13, 2015. “Exquisite Nature: 20 Masterpieces of Chinese Paintings (14th – 18th century)” comes down Nov. 1, 2015. “Picturing Sound, Creating Mood” is a series of twelve paintings from the 18th to 19th century that reveal the multisensory world of Indian painting up till Nov. 22, 2015. 200 Larkin St. (415) 581-3500.
“Raycraft is Dead” is the title of a mixed media installation by L.A. based South Korean artist Won Ju Im. In it, she deconstructs the spaces of her own home and invites the viewer to rethink our everyday experiences in our own spaces. Includes sculptures, video projection and collage. On view until Dec. 6, 2015 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts at 701 Mission in San Francisco. (415) 978-2700.
“New Stories from the Edge of Asia: Tabaimo” marks the first solo museum exhibition of this amazing Japanese artist who uses alluring large-scale surreal animations that combine everyday objects and experiences. Opens Feb. 5, 2016 at the San Jose Museum of Art. 110 South Market St. (408) 271-6840. Not to miss!
The Japanese American National Museum has the following current and upcoming exhibitions. Ongoing is “Common Ground: The Heart of Community” is a historical group show that incorporates hundreds of objects, documents and photographs collected by the Museum on over 130 years of Japanese American history. Opening Oct. 11 and on view until Jan. 24, 2016 is “Giant Robot Biennale 4” an annual show showcasing the diverse creative works brought together between the pages of that popular zine which is a staple of alternative Asian American pop culture. Looking further down the road is an important photography show entitled “Making Waves: Japanese American Photography, 1920 – 1940” tentatively set for Feb. 28 – June 26 of 2016 and curated by Southern California photography historian Dennis Reed who has curated a previous excellent show of the Japanese Camera Club of Los Angeles. 100 North Central Ave. (213) 625-0414.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has the following shows. “Islamic Art Now: Contemporary Art of the Middle East” remains on view until Jan. 3, 2016. “Ritual Offerings in Tibetan Art” continues until Oct. 25. 2015. “Living for The Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection” opens Oct. 4 and remains on view until Jan. 16, 2016. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 857-6010.
The Skirball Cultural Center in association with the Japanese American National Museum presents “Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams” from Oct. 8 – Feb. 21, 2016. In addition to Adam’s work, the exhibition includes other photographs, documents, publications, artifacts, and works of art that detail life and conditions at Manzanar and offer personal narratives of the experience. A range of propaganda posters, films, pamplets, and magazines portray the anger, prejudice, and overt racism fo the times. Additional material comes from Adam’s contemporaries, Dorothea Lange and Toyo Miyatake. But what is the cherry on top of the sundae (at least for me) is the inclusion of “Citizen 13660: The Art of Mine Okubo”. Her work cuts to the quick and gives a very honest and personal portrayal of how life was in the camps as lived by the inmates. Activities related to this show include the following – Classes entitled “In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams” Oct. 17, Nov. 6, Nov. 8, and Nov. 21. The film “Children of the Camps” is screened on Oct. 15 at 8pm. Public tours Tues. – Sun. beginning Oct. 15 at 1pm. A member program is Preview Day for the show on Oct. 7 from noon – 5pm. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles. Free on-site parking. (310) 440-4500.
In related news, the Mine Okubo Collection at the Riverside City College is believed to be the most extensive repository of Mine Okubo’s papers and art work in a single location. This is a virtual treasure trove for people interested in the work of this important American artist. To see the collection, call the Director of the Center for Social Justice at (951) 222-8846. Additional material on the artist can be found at the Japanese American National Museum, the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution and University of California at Riverside.
Oakland Museum of California presents a major exhibition on historic and contemporary pacific cultures and peoples and their interactions with California. “Pacific Worlds” remains on view through Jan. 3rd, 2016. The show explores the on-going connections and intersecting experiences of Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians, along with Filipinos, Native Californians, and American collectors and colonists. Opening Dec. 12 and remaining on view until Jan. 3, 2016 is “UNEARTHED: Found & Made”. This show juxtaposes contemporary sculpture by L.A.-based artist Jededian Caesar with traditional Japanese suiseki from Bay Area clubs.1000 Oak St. in Oakland, CA. For details, go to museumca.org or http://www.museumca.org/.
“Ishiuchi Miyako: Post War Shadows” is a retrospective of his self-taught photographer who emerged out of the shadows of WW II in a mostly male generation of Japanese photographers. Her work offered a different perspective on the Japan she knew, the hometown port city of Yokosuka. Later work would fuse both the personal and political as she did work on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Frida Kahlo’s clothing and the map of the skin found on different torsos. On view until Feb. 21, 2016. “The Younger Generation: Contemporary Japanese Photography” is a complimentary group show of young women photographers that have surfaced in the 1990’s influenced by Ishiuchi’s work. They include Kawauchi Rinko, Onodera Yuki, Otsuka Chino, Sawada Tomoko and Shiga Lieko. This show has identical exhibition dates as Ishiuchi’s show. J. Paul Getty Museum. 1200 Getty Center Dr. (310) 440-7330.
The Fullerton Museum presents a show entitled “Forgotten Faces” which focuses on the “comfort women” of World War II, those Asian women forced into becoming prostitutes for the Imperial Japanese Army during the 1930’s & 40’s. The work from three distinct genres reflects the struggles of women from Indonesia, China, Korea and the Philippines. The first part of the show consists of photographs, maps and text boxes. The second part utilizes art to tell the story. Watercolors by Steve Cavallo depicts the women. Cavallo spent time listening to tapes of their stories before actualizing each drawing. A series of portraits of comfort women taken by photographer Jan Banning takes up the next part of the show. Each photo is accompanied by a brief testimonial by each woman. Mixed media art by Chang-Jin Lee combines text from newspaper advertisements used to recruit comfort women. Cal State Fullerton History Professor Kristine Dennehy was brought in to educate docents about the comfort women issue. The exhibit address the present problem of human trafficking today. Also information is provided from a variety of organizations that help victims. On view through Nov. 1, 2015. The Fullerton Museum Center is at 301 Pomona Ave. in Fullerton, Calif. (714) 783-6545.
New work by Seattle artist Diem Chau is on exhibit through Oct. 31st, 2015 at the Philadelphia Zoo as part of “Second Nature”, an array of artist installations that ell the stories of endangered species through the use of recycled, reduced, reused, repurposed and renewed materials. Her series of carved crayons “Precious Few” take the forms of 48 animals on the endangered species list. The zoo is at 3400 W. Girard Ave. in Philadelphia. Their phone # is (215) 243-1100. Diem Chau is represented locally by G. Gibson Gallery (ggibsongallery.com) and she is open to commissions.
“Asian Art at 100: A History in Photographs” is a survey of the Met’s Asian galleries photographed from 1907 – 19 45. Through May 22, 2016. “Celebrating The Arts of Japan: The Mary Griggs Burke Collection”. Over 300 items from what many consider the best Japanese art collection outside of Japan are on view from Oct. 20 through July 31, 2016. 1000 – 5th Ave. (212) 535-7710 or go to www.metmuseum.org.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston organized the traveling show entitled “For A New World To Come: Experiments In Japanese Art And Photographs, 1968-1979”. Vietnam War protests and opposition to a treaty extending American military occupation rocked Japan and fueled the Japanese arts movement at this time. For the first time, many artists and movements heretofore unknown to the West are exposed. This stimulating exhibition comes to New York split into two different venues. The first segment shows at New York University’s Grey Art Gallery through Dec. 5, 2015. Go to nyu.edu/greyart for details. The other portion of the show hits Japan Society Gallery from Oct. 9, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016. Go to japansociety.org for more information.
“Japanese Kogei/ Future Forward”. Twelve different artists show different changing approaches to Japanese “handcrafts” – especially in the area of ceramics. Oct. 20 – Feb. 7, 2016. Museum of Arts and Design in New York. 2 Columbus Circle. (212) 299-7777 or info@madmuseum.org.
Seattle artist Etsuko Ichikawa is in a group show entitled “HAIKU – Poetry in Art” at the Michael Warren Gallery through Nov. 19, 2015. At Republic Plaza at 370 – 17th St. in Denver, CO.
Some upcoming shows at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston include the following – “Crafted Objects in Flux” is a group show that look at artists who “simultaneously blur and expand craft’s landscape.” Seattle artist Etsuko Ichikawa is included in this show and she has plans to do a live performance sometime during the run of the show. On view through January 10th, 2016. In related news, the museum has hastily pulled an event labeled “Kimono Wednesdays” scheduled to run throughout July from a show they organized entitled “Looking East: How Japan Inspired Monet, Van Gogh, And Other Western Artists”. Visitors were invited to don museum-provided kimonos while posing for photos in front of Monet’s “La Japonaise”, a painting of the artist’s wife wearing a kimono. Protestors charged the museum with perpetuating racist stereotypes by presenting Asian culture as exotic. The museum apologized. A counter-protest by Japanese women in kimonos materialized and the new museum director has promised a community forum on the issue.465 Huntington Ave. in Boston. (617) 267-9300. An update on this. Keiko a writer from Boston who has been covering this issue on her blog has emailed me to correct some of the above information. She says the event was not cancelled but modified and that no formal apology has been given. For her perspective on this on-going controversy, go to http://japaneseamericaninboston.blogspot.com/2015107/monets-la-japonaise-kimono-wednesdays.html. This show will travel on to the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco where it opens Oct. 30 and remains on view until Feb. 7, 2016 (asianart.org for details.) “Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia” is a new exhibition that proves that the Asian influence on the West is not a recent phenomenon. It examines these influences across continents as early as the late 16th/ early 17th century. On view through Feb. 15, 2016.
“Reopening Of The Renwick Gallery”. The first building in the nation designed specifically as an art museum officially reopens after a two year renovation with “Wonder” in which nine contemporary artists were invited to create room-size installations inspired by the building itself. Maya Lin is one of them. Opens Nov. 13 and remains on view until July 10, 2016. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery are along the museum mall in Washington, D.C.
On view through Jan. 3, 2016 is “Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms”. It showcases recently excavated objects that highlight the prosperity and achievements of the little-known Philippine Kingdoms that flourished long before the Spanish discovered the region and colonized it. They affirm the unprecedented creativity, prosperity, and sophisticated metalworking tradition of the pre-colonial period. They also attest to flourishing cultural connections and maritime trade in Southeast Asia during what was an early Asian economic boom. Also showing at the same time is “Video Spotlight: Philippines”, an exhibition of contemporary video art by Poklong Anading, Martha Atienza, and Mark Salvatus. Coming in 2016 is “Kamakura: Realism And Spirituality In The Sculpture Of Japan” More than 40 sculptures which show the relationship between realism and sacred use of the objects. The Kamakura era is often regarded as a period similar to the Renaissance in Europe. Feb. 9 through May 8, 2016. Asia Society Museum at 725 Park Ave. in New York City. Go to AsiaSociety.org/museum for details.
“Pinaree Sanpitak – Ma-Lai’ is the title of a show dedicated to the work of one Thailand’s most respected contemporary artists. Her primary inspiration has been the female body. On view through Oct. 24 at Tyler Rollins Fine Art at 529 West 20th St. in New York. Go to www.trfineart.com for details.
In March of 2016, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will take over the building designed by Marcel Breuer that was once the Whitney Museum. A retrospective of the Indian modernist painter Nasreen Mohamedi (1937-1990) will be one of three opening exhibits in this building. The Met’s current artist-in-residence, jazz composter/pianist Vjay Iyer will do a number of appearances as well. The building will now be known as the Met Breuer. Madison Ave. and 75th St. in New York or go to metmuseum.org for details.
The first U.S. survey of the work of Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Hongtu comes to the Queens Museum of art. The artist left China in 1982 and settled in Queens. Oct. 18 – Feb. 28, 2016. Email info@queensmuseum.org for details.
“Sotatsu – Making Waves” is a major show of that Edo-period, 17th century Japanese screen painter taking place at the Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery this fall from Oct. 24th – Jan. 31st, 2016. Over 70 pieces of work from American, European and Japanese collections including work by later artists influenced by Sotatsu. 1050 Independence Ave. SW in Washington DC. (202) 633-1000.
“Designing Traditions Biennial IV – Explorations in the Asian Textile Collection” is an exhibition that shows how traditional Asian craftsmanship inspires contemporary creativity. Through Jan. 3. 2016 at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. 20 N. Main St. in Providence, R.I. Go to www.risdmuseum.org for details.
“Japanese Tattoo: Perseverance, Art and Tradition” is a groundbreaking photographic exhibition that explores the master craftsmanship of traditional Japanese tattoos and their enduring influence on modern tattoo practices. On view until Nov. 29, 2015 at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A traveling exhibition on loan from Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. 200 N. Boulevard in Richmond, VA. (804) 340-1400.
“Martin Wong: Human Instamatic” covers the full trajectory of this Chinese American painter from his Bay Area roots to his pivotal role in documenting the multicultural environs of the Lower East Side of New York. Opens Oct. 9 and remains on view through Feb. 12, 2016. “Transitions: New Photography From Bangladesh” is on view Oct. 15 – Feb.. 14, 2016. Bronx Museum of the Arts in Bronx, New York. 1040 Grand Concourse. (718) 681-6000. The West Coast site for the traveling exhibition of Martin Wong will be Sept. – Dec. 2017 at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive in their new location on Center St.
Although the late Japanese artist Onichi Koshiro never traveled West, his work bore innovations from European modernism that surface in his mastery of the traditional Japanese art tradition. The National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo gives him the first retrospective of his work in twenty years and includes oil paintings, photographs, drawings, printmaking and book design. Jan. 13 – Feb. 28, 2016.
Korean modern sculptor/installation artist Do Ho Suh (his work is in Seattle Art Museum’s permanent collection) has a show of his translucent “fabric buildings” at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Feb. 12 – Sept. 11, 2016.
Painter Barbara Takenaga is known for her labor-intensive, energetic abstractions composed of matrix-like, swirling patterns of dots but nothing tops the unprecedented scale of a 100’ wall mural she has done for “Nebraska”, a large scale commission from her series “Nebraska Paintings”. The piece captures the open spaces and big sky of her native state. The artist says the moody palette conveys “the ‘violet hour” of in-between time, when the land and sky start to blur.” Korean artist Ran Hwang uses thousands and thousands of buttons and pins to install “Untethered”, a 140 foot-long sculpture of 14 birds, including six phoenixes. The artist says “I choose buttons because, like human beings, they are at once common and ordinary yet as unique as the rarest jewels. Each button can move freely between the head of the pin and the wall, suggesting the human desire to be free from any restriction.” Both shows are currently on view at MASS Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, Massachusetts. Go to www.massmoca.org for details.
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College is a regional museum in a small college town that always manages to have fascinating shows no doubt to the sage skills of their curatorial staff. On view now through November is “Liu Bolin – Hiding in Plain Sight” . This contemporary Chinese artist is know for painting his body to camouflage into backgrounds whether they be graffiti-heavy walls of New York or China’s Yellow River. This former sculptor from Beijing was a child of the Cultural Revolution and began his disappearing act around 10 years ago as a silent protest against the government’s crack down on growing social issues and their need to suppress criticism of its actions. Since then the artist has taken on world issues such as pollution and deforestation. He is quoted in a CNN interview that “I always use my works to question and rethink the inequality and imbalance caused by the process of human development.” 1701 East Front St. in Traverse City, Michigan. Go to dennosmuseum.org for details.
Wendy Maruyama’s “wildlife Project” is now on view through Jan. 3, 2016 at the Houston Center For Contemporary Craft. The show illustrates the plight of the elephant and the illegal ivory trade. The artist has traveled to Africa and studied the problem, meeting with officials. Her new constructions come from her thoughts on this issue of world crisis. She gives a talk at the museum on Nov. 21 at 2pm. 4848 Main St. (713) 529-4848 or go to www.crafthouston.org. Expect to see this show hit the West Coast in 2017 from Feb. – May at the San Francisco Museum of Craft And Design.
“Harajuku – Tokyo Street Fashion” looks at Harajuku’s current trends and wide influence around the world. Opens Nov. 19 and remains on view through April 3, 2016. Honolulu Museum of Art at 900 Beretania St. Go to www.honolulumuseum.org for details.
“East Asia Feminism: FANTASIA” is a look at the current state and implications of East Asian women’s art from a feminist perspective. The diverse works of 14 artists from Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and India are represented. On view through Nov. 8, 2015. Seoul Museum of Art. 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jungu, Seoul, South Korea. Call +82-2-1330 (in Korean, English, Chinese & Japanese).
New York’s Guggenheim Museum has indicated that their interest is their growing contemporary Chinese art program is serious by hiring Jou Hanru and Xiaoyu Weng as new Curators of Contemporary Chinese Art.
Singaporean curator and arts administrator Tan Boon Hui was appointed director of New York’s Asia Society Museum and vice president of the institution’s global arts and cultural programs.
British sculptor Anish Kapoor designed a public art piece in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles entitled “Dirty Corner” which is comprised of a huge steel funnel. It and the rocks around it were sprayed in white paint with anti-Semitic slogans. The steel and rock sculpture faces the royal chateau and is 200 feet long and 33 feet high. This is the second time it has been damaged. Shortly after installation, it was splattered with yellow paint and then cleaned up. But this time around, Kapoor says he will not clean up the damage and the words of graffiti should stay. He told Le Figaro the following – “I had already questioned the wisdom of cleaning it after the first vandalism. This time, I am convinced that nothing should be removed from these slurs, from these words which belong to Anti-Semitism that we’d rather forget. From now on, in the name of our universal principles, these abominable words will become part of my work, they will overlay it and stigmatize it.”
Writer/critic/editor/photographer Takuma Nakahara, a pioneer of modern Japanese photography died in early September in Yokohama, Japan. He helped cofound the seminal Japanese photography magazine “Provoke” in the 1960’s which had enormous influence on artists in the field. Working at a new-left magazine, he met colleague and photographer Shomei Tomatsu who encouraged him to take up the camera himself. From the mid-6o’s he worked to find his own voice in photography and grappled with issues of what the medium could do while at the same time, working out his ideas in essays that discussed revolutionary ideas about the form. A large-scale retrospective of his work was held at the Yokohama Museum of Art in 2003.
Although artist Etsuko Ichikawa is Seattle-based, she remains a member of NOddiN, a Japanese collective of filmmakers, copywriters, artists, and designers who consider the current and future of Japan and express their concerns through their creative work. The theme of their annual exhibit held this year Oct. 2 – 4 at CLASKA in Tokyo is ‘to doubt’. Ichikawa made a set of hand-sewed boy’s & girl’s baby clothing made of camouflage fabric with matched shoes with an accompanying greeting card that reads “Welcome to this world! For your bright future fighting for your country, I send you these camouflage baby clothing. Much Love.” The piece is a criticism of Japanese Prime Minister Abe’s newly passed security laws that now allow for Japanese military action in support of collective defense abroad, a violation of Japan’s constitution, including Article 9 known as the Peace Constitution.
Korean artists in their 80’s who were once part of a South Korean abstract movement known as Tansaekhwa are gaining notice finally in the art world. Christie’s has given the group a swanky exhibition in both New York and Hong Kong with a well illustrated catalog. A