Visual Arts
Space City with AIA Seattle present a talk by New York-based architect Mimi Hoang. Hoang is a founding principal of nArchitects and Adjunct assistant Professor at Columbia University. The firm is known for designing for a variety of experiences within a systematic approach – from buildings & pavilions to interiors across cultural, residential and commercial use. nArchitects have won numerous awards and are currently designing four kiosks for Seattle’s new waterfront. Thurs., Nov. 3, 2016 at 6:30pm at Seattle Central Library downtown in the Microsoft Auditorium. For tickets and details, go to www.spacecityseattle.org. Hoang will also remain in town to serve on a jury for this year’s AIA Seattle 2016 Honor Awards on Mon., Nov. 7 at Benaroya Hall.
“(in) Visible” is the title of a group show up until Nov. 17, 2016 that features artists from Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS). This show offers glimpses into complicated intersections of ethnicity, perceived identities and invisible disabilities. M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery located at Seattle Central Community College across from the cafeteria in the plaza. Hours are M – F from 9am – 3:30pm and Evenings from 5 – 7pm on Tues. & Wed. 1701 Broadway. 206-934-4379.
Beloved Seattle community artist/educator Frank Fujii who recently passed away will be remembered in a celebration of his life on Nov. 12 at 1pm at Town Hall Seattle.1119 Eighth Ave. above downtown Seattle.
“Minidoka: Artist As Witness” is a group show that details the incarceration of Japanese Americans along the West Coast on view until Jan. 15, 2017. From 1942 – 45 more than 13,000 evacuees were incarcerated at Minidoka War Relocation Center in South Central Idaho. This show at the Boise Art Museum features significant works by five artists with personal or family history at Minidoka, now a National Historic Site. In this show are works by Takuichi Fujii, Kenjiro Nomura and Roger Shimomura. Sculptor/installation artist Wendy Murayama has a body of work including photos and found objects and an installation of 10 sculptures made from paper ID tags worn by internees. Photographer Teresa Tamura’s photo series from her book, “Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp” are also on view. Wendy Murayama will give a talk on her work on Nov. 9 at 6pm in the Boise State University Special Events Center located at 1800 University Drive. The Boise Art Museum is closed on Mondays. Located at 670 Julia Davis Dr. in Boise, Idaho. 208-345-8330.
Junko Yamamoto has work in a group show entitled “Select 2016 Marathon Artists: Going The Distance” which is a sneak peek at work by artists who will participate in CoCA’s annual “CoCA New Wave Ball Art Marathon & auction set for Nov. 10 – 12, 2016.” CoCA’s new gallery space is in the Tashiro Kaplan Building in Pioneer Square at 114 Third Ave. S. The show on view through Oct. The benefit auction in Nov. takes place in the Summit Building at 420 E. Pike. If you can volunteer for this event, email info@cocaseattle.org.
The work of Lee Chul Soo is included in a group show entitled “Pick Your Poison – Politics in Print” on view Nov. 3 – 26 at Davidson Galleries. 313 Occidental Ave. S. 206-624-7684 or go to www.davidsongalleries.com.
The work of Yuriko Yamaguchi is included in a group show entitled “IDENTITY – Insight: Unfolding the Visual Narrative” on view through Dec. 23, 2016. Prographica/ KDR Gallery. 313 Occidental Ave. S. in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. 206-999-0849 or go to prographicagallery.com.
Ongoing shows at Jack Straw Cultural Center’s lobby and hallway include the following – “Etsuko Ichikawa: Glass Pyrographs” which includes a 14 foot long scroll and videos of her making the work and “Dean Wong: New Street Photography” which includes new work taken in Chinatowns along the West Coast and in his recent book on Chin Music Press. 4261 Roosevelt Way NE.
Minh Nguyen is an organizer of events and exhibitions who is interested in media studies, the role of design and urban planning in the creation of equitable spaces , and collective protest. She is official “Artist in Residence” for fall at Town Hall Seattle. Here is her statement – “I’m looking forward to using Town Hall’s upcoming events, specifically on digital communications and internet law, as a starting point to engage with the community on these issues. I’m excited to develop projects that synthesize art and civic engagement.”
The 2016 Museum of Northwest Art 2016 MoNA Luminaries Legacy Artist & Award Recipients were recently announced at a ceremony in Seattle. Each category of award is named in honor of a Northwest artist who has contributed to the region. Ceramic artist Patti Warashina is named for the award given to the “Emerging Artists” category. Congratulations to Saya Moriyasu who won the Alfredo Arreguin Award for Mid-Career Artists. She is represented by G. Gibson Gallery. Winners receive $1,000 award and inclusion in a group show at the museum located in La Connor, WA.
“River Run” by sculptor June Sekiguchi was a yearlong progressively cumulative installation responding to sites around Puget Sound from Bainbridge, Ellensberg, Bellingham, Seattle and in its most expansive iteration culminating at Edmonds. This final Edmonds segment is on view now through Dec. 8, 2016. At Edmonds Community College Art Gallery. The gallery is on the third floor of Lynnwood Hall. Regular hours are M – Th. From 7:30am – 9pm, Fridays from 7:30am – 2pm and weekends from 1 – 5pm. 2000 – 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood, WA. 425-640-1459.
Aldo Chan is well known for his graphic design skills having worked for the International Examiner, Wing Luke Asian Museum and the Seattle Times. But how many of you know him for his creative ability in the field of ceramics? Just in time for Christmas, come to a “Home Art Sale” featuring Aldo’s ceramics and affordable paintings, drawings, prints & greeting cards by his friends Ann Daley Ryherd, Kathy Roseth and Adama Kay. Sat., Nov. 5, 2016 from 10am – 6pm. Refreshments provided. Cash/checks preferred. Ditch the mall, forget online shopping and get that something special, personal and handmade for your loved ones in an intimate, friendly environment. 2306 – N. 46th St. in Seattle.
“The Eclectic Collection” is a group show of artwork by former artist-in-residents at the James & Janie Washington Foundation. The home of the late, great Northwest sculptor & painter James Washington has been turned into an artist-in-residence residency for Northwest artists to live at and create work. This group show includes work by MalPina Chan, Romson Bustillo, June Sekiguchi and many others. The show is on view at the Anne Focke Gallery through Oct. 28. Opening reception on Oct. 20 from 4 – 6pm. Regular hours are M – F from 7am – 6pm. 600 Fourth Ave. downtown in the Seattle City Hall Lobby.
“Cultural Perspectives, Part III” is a group show that looks at recent acquisitions to the Seattle Public Utilities Portable Collection on view through Dec. 28, 2016 at the Seattle Municipal Tower Gallery located on Level 3 Concourse of the building located at 700 Fifth Ave. Hours are M-F from 7am – 7pm. 206-684-7132.
The work of Leslie Wu and June Sekiguchi is included in a group show entitled “Revering Nature” at the Koch Gallery at Vashon Center for the Arts as curated by Greg Robinson, Director of BIMA. Opening reception is Nov. 4 from 4 – 6pm. Remains on view through Nov. 26. Hours are M-F from 10am – 5pm and Sat. from 12 – 5pm. 19600 Vashon Highway Southwest on Vashon Island. 206-463-5131.
“Art Interruptions” is an annual temporary art program created by the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture with the Seattle Department of Transportation. Temporary art installations will offer ephemeral moments of surprise and reflection in the Rainier Valley East-West Neighborhood Greenway including New Holly, Othello, Brighton, Lakewood and Seward Park. You will find these temporary art installations up through Jan. 2, 2017. Vikram Madan and Junko Yamamoto are some of the artists who have work in this project.
Cheryl Leo Gwin is a local multi-media artist with a new show of digital collages in “Farewell” on view at Sammamish City Hall Common s Gallery on view through Jan. 2017. Opening reception is Nov. 6 from 6:30 – 830pm. 801 – 228th Ave. SE in Sammamish.
“We Are a Crowd of Others” is an installation by Gail Grinnell, Samuel Wildman and Eric Johnson on view through November, 2016. Besides the installation, there will be a series of performances, readings, and projects nestled in the site specific space. This will be a forum for people to engage with this reality: A person’s identity often exceeds the limitations of their body, manifesting in words and actions. Poet Jane Wong addresses “The Poetics of Haunting” on Nov. 8 at 7pm. “Sonic Decoy/Rising Tone” is an all-day program led by Emory Liu & special guests. Mad Art Studio at 325 Westlake Ave. N. #101. Go to http://crowdofothers.com for details.
The Henry Art Gallery located on the campus of the University of Washington joins MOTHRA and Chris E. Vargas in presenting the group show “TRANS HISTORY in 99 Objects” through June 4, 2017. This show gathers archival materials and works by contemporary artists that narrate an expansive and critical history of transgender communities. Related activities include the following –At the gallery, there will be a Project 42 performance on Nov. 13 at 12:30pm with Seattle dancer/choreographer Anna Lizette Connor that memorializes transgender lives cut short by murder.
“To:Seattle/Subject: Personal” is a group show of significant works of contemporary art acquired by The Board of Trustees between 2009 and 2016 during the directorship of Jo-Anne Birnie-Danzke who curated the exhibition. It emphasizes the inclusion of work into the collection of local artists in the community. Includes work by DK Pan, Degenerate Art Ensemble, Liu Ping, Pan Gongkai and Susie J. Lee. “Seeing Art: A Multidisciplinary Critical Discourse on Twenty-First Century Art Practice” is a series of discussions on some of the issues brought up in the exhibition on a global, national and local level and the efforts on art practice. Remaining events take place on Nov. 19 from 2 – 3:30pm and Sat., Dec. 10 from 3 – 4:30pm. 704 Terry Ave. 206-622-9250.
The art collective known as SOIL has the following group shows. The group show “From Domesticity” features work by Tony Kim and opens Nov. 3 and remains on view until Dec. 31, 2016. Megumi Shauna Arai has work in a large group show curated by Serrah Russell and Rafael Soldi on view from Nov. 3 – Nov. 26, 2016. 112 Third Ave. S. 206-264-8061 or go to soilart.org.
The work of artists Ron Ho, Cheryll Leo-Gwin, Taiji Miyasaka & David Drake and Midori Saito is included in the BAM Biennial 2016 entitled “Metal Morphosis” on view through Feb. 5, 2017. The Northwest Designer Craftsmen also present a “Workshop with Ron Ho” on the weekend of Nov. 5 & 6 from 10am – 4pm. $175 for members and $200 for non-members.510 Bellevue Way NE. 425-519-0770 or go to bellevuearts.org for details.
“INK PLAY: Celebrating the World of Sumi” is a group show presenting the work of the Puget sound Sumi Artists (PSSA) at Hanforth Gallery located in Tacoma’s Public Library. On view from Oct. 4 – Nov. 12. 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma. Go to www.tacomapubliclibrary.org for details.
“Handmade in Camp – What We couldn’t Carry” is a group show that displays over 60 items including furniture, jewelry, tools, paintings, needlework, scrapbooks, games, toys and quilts – all handcrafted items made by Japanese Americans during their WWII incarceration. On view through Nov. 6, 2016.The museum says that most are family heirlooms borrowed from area households and have never been seen in public. Accompanied by quotes from local families. White River Valley Museum in Auburn. For details call 253-288-7433 or go to http://wrvmuseum.org.
“Witness To Wartime: Takuichi Fujii” is an exhibition devoted to the career of this Seattle artist (1891-1964). The bulk of the collection consists of almost 250 drawings depicting the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. The artist’s illustrated diary depicts in detail the history of internment from start to finish and is augmented by paintings, watercolors and sculpture. After the war, Fujii relocated to Chicago where he continued to work in a more abstract expressionistic manner. Selections from this exhibition are featured in the current Boise Art Museum exhibition entitled “Minidoka: Artist As Witness.” The exhibition is curated by Northwest art historian Barbara Johns who also wrote the catalog which will be published by UW Press in 2017. For booking this exhibition, email or call Laura Sumser, Exhibition Manager at laura@curatorial.org or 626-577-004
Gibson Gallery in Pioneer Square specializes in photography and art. They represent such artists as Saya Moriyasu, Diem Chua, Elizabeth Jameson and Thuy-Van Wu. Beginning in November, they will move to the lower Queen Anne neighborhood in the same building as On The Boards. Their new address will be 104 W. Roy St. The first new exhibit in the new space will be “Winter Gymnastics”, a group exhibit of gallery artists set for Nov. 16 – Dec. 30, 2016.
“Monkey Way” is the title of a catchy multi-media installation by Seattle artist Saya Moriyasu. It’s in the walkway window just past Starbuck’s as you transition from Chinatown/ID to the street across that leads to the trains that take commuters to Everett and Tacoma. In a lot of ways, this transition between cultures/places parallel’s the artist’s work as well. Her statement reads, “The current political situation is awkward in that it seeps into the work via monkeys and lots of shelves that are not functional. This moment of instability in US politics leads to inspirations from moments in history in France and China. Putting all these elements all together is a visual mash-up that comes from my life in a family mixed both in class and culture.” History, culture and identity mixed with whimsy comes from this display and grabs the attention of passersby. Ongoing. Moriyasu is also in a group show entitled “Peep Show” on the 2nd floor at The Alice at 6007 – 12th Ave. S. through August 13. For information on the artist, go to Saya Moriyasu.com. for information about the work, go to GGibsonGallery.com.
Local paper-cut artist Lauren Iida has a busy schedule of shows throughout the area. Her work can always be seen at ArtXchange Gallery in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. In addition, more shows include the following. A new retail/gallery space in Ballard called Venue carries a variety of her new cut paper work. 5408 22nd Ave. NW. info@venueballard.com or call 206-789-3335. Her first public art project will be paper cutaways laser cut from metal and hung as banners along Aurora between 175th and 205th will be installed in August. Sponsored by the city of Shoreline. Her first “sculptural” paper cutaway will be on display starting Fri., August 4 at Sculpture Northwest in Bellingham. 11 feet long, it features images of diving Kamikaze planes along with framed work and found objects pertaining to her family’s incarceration during WWII in Japanese American internment camps. She has a new position as Gallery Director at Make Shift Art Space in Bellingham. She recently collaborated with Cambodian American designer Silong Chuun at Red Scarf Revolution in Tacoma to design t-shirts with her paper cutaway designs which are available online. Go to www.laureniida.com for full details. She is also always open to commissions. She has done custom cutaways for people from their special photos or a favorite poem etc. For details on commissions, go to http://www.laureniida.com/commissions.html.
Kobo at Higo hosts the following. Opening Nov. 12 and remaining on view until Dec. 30, 2016 is their always popular annual “Simple Cup Invitational Show.” Go down early and sign up if you want to have a chance to purchase a cup. 604 S. Jackson St. in Seattle. 206-381-3000 or go to koboseattle.com.
The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery in Bellevue has the following. “Geometric Abstracts from Beijing” is the title of a show of works by Chinese artist Chen Jin opening on Oct. 12 and closing Nov. 5, 2016. Opening Nov. 9 and closing Dec. 10, 2016 are works on silk by Keiichi Nakamura. 800 Bellevue Way NE #111. 425-827-2822 or go to gunnarnordstrom.com for details.
The Portland Japanese Garden recently reopened after a six-month closure for construction on the Garden’s Cultural Crossing expansion project. More construction is coming to expand the facilities with new features such as classrooms, galleries, a café and seven garden spaces with public water features and a bonsai terrace. Design is supervised by internationally know architect Kengo Kuma. Improvements should be completed by Spring, 2017. Extended until Nov. 6, 2016 is the current outside exhibition entitled “Bending Nature – Four Bamboo Artists In The Garden” which includes the work of Jiro Yonezawa, Shigeo Kawashima, Charissa Brock and Anne Crumpacker. Go to www.japanesegarden.com for full details.
The A6 Studio & Gallery’s major exhibit for 2016 is entitled “Opening Japan: Three Centuries of Japanese Prints” which features more than two dozen Japanese woodblock prints covers a wide range of topics and artists from the 17th, 18th and 19th century. Activities connected to the show include the following. Art historian Lorna Cahall traces the influence of Japanese prints on the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists on Nov. 1 at the Bend Downtown Library. Portland State University’s theater department provides an introduction to kabuki thatre and perfroms select scenes from “The 47 Loyal Samurai” at Tower Theatre on Nov. 13. On view through Nov. 20, 2016. A6 is a non-profit studio and gallery in Bend, Oregon centered on printmaking and book arts. Go to www.atelier6000.org/japanese-art for complete details.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has the following upcoming shows. “Millennia – Astonishing Asian Art Throughout the Ages” is a new group show that showcases one of the best collections of Asian art in Canada taken from the gallery collection and remains on view through March 31, 2017. 1040 Moss St. in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Call 1-250-384-4171.
The Audain Art Museum in Whistler, Canada has “From Geisha to Diva: The Kimono of Ichimaru” which showcases the kimono and personal objects of one of Japan’s most famous geisha. Opens Oct. 22 and remains on view through Jan. 9, 2017. 4350 Blackcomb Way. 604-962-0413 or go to audainartmuseum.org.
A tattered folded painting of five Buddhas found in an old chest in a Korean antique shop by an American collector has become a rare re-found treasure. When Robert Mattielli bought the painting for ten dollars and brought it back with him to Portland. And when he bequeathed it to Portland Art Museum. He had no idea of its origins. Visiting scholars from the Korean National Research Institute for Cultural Heritage verified it had been stolen from the famous zen temple, Songgwangsa. Now, before it is returned, visitors to the museum can see this special painting accompanied by a special informative symposium which takes place on Dec. 3, 2016 from 1 – 4pm. Portland Art Museum. 1219 SW Park Ave. 503-226-2811 or go to portlandartmuseum.org.
New and recent shows /activities at the Wing include the following – “Everything Has Been Material For Scissors To Shape” is a new group exhibition on textiles and how they move through history and myth, commodity culture and art, linking women’s hands and machines to Asian American identities.” It features the work of Surabhi Ghosh, Stephanie Syjuco and Aram Han Sifuentes. This show is on display through April 16, 2017. Opening Sat., August 20 is “Stars Above: Wrapped in Lullabies”. Opening March 3 from 6 – 8pm is “Seeds of Change, Roots of Power: The Danny Woo Community Garden”, an exhibit that celebrates this neighborhood resource which preserves culture, tradition and identity. Nov. 3 from 6 – 8pm is the opening reception for a new show entitled “We Are the Ocean: An Indigenous Response to Climate Change”. Free. Another exhibition opening member reception takes place on Thurs., Dec. 8 from 6 – 8pm for “Who’s Got Game? Asian Pacific Americans in Sports” set for Dec. 8 from 6 – 8pm. This event includes speakers, games and refreshments. RSVP online. 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. “Khmer American: Naga Sheds Its Skin”. War has had a huge impact on Khmer culture and identity. Despite these challenges, the community continues to shape the US and Cambodia. “Tales of Tails: Animals in Children’s Books is a recent show to open at the museum. “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. 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. A new installment of the Bruce Lee exhibit entitled “Day in the Life of Bruce Lee: So You Know Bruce? opened on Sat., Oct. 1, 2016. The new installment explores what it took to become “Bruce Lee”. It delves into his daily work habits, routines and strategies to his written & visual art, reading, and personal time spent with family and friends. FAMILY FUN DAY takes place on Sat. Nov. 19 from 10am – 5pm. Free admission all day with family fun activities like story time, face painting and special appearances by local heroes. Toddler Story Time has the following events which are all free. On Nov. 3 at 11am hear the story of a child and her grandpa in “Joone.” Thurs., Dec. 1 at 11am, hear the story of a bear looking for a new home in “Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats” with a fun art activity to follow. The Wing wishes happy holidays to its members with a Dec. 3 “Holiday Member Appreciation Day: Asian American Santa” which takes place from 12:30 – 3:30pm in the member lounge. Bring your kids and enjoy special discounts in the Marketplace. Every gift membership purchased includes a limited edition Year of the Rooster glass. On Sat. ,Dec. 10 from 10:30am – 12:30pm, join fashion designer Malia Peoples for a sewing workshop in which you can make your very own Kinchaku (Japanese drawstring pouch). Great for kids ages 8+ accompanied by an adult. Free if you bring your own fabric. If not, $5 for materials. (Does not include access to the Museum galleries). “SHOP-O-RAMA” is when you get the best deals at the museum gift store. Every Sat., from Nov. 19 – Dec. 17, enjoy discounts and local artist pop-up shops. Visit wingluke.org/shop for details. 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.
Original sumi paintings and prints by Japanese modern master Toko Shinoda now in her 90’s and still working will be shown locally at Azuma Gallery. The show opens Nov. 3 and remains on view until Nov. 30, 2016. 530 First Ave. S. in Seattle. 206-622-5599 or go to azumagallery.com.
New Zealand’s largest art show “World of Wearable Art” (tm ) makes its North American debut at EMP Museum in Seattle. A spectacular fusion of fasion and art, the exhibition showcases 32 award-winning garments from the annual competition in Wellington. One of the highlights is ‘Born to Die”, a dress made completely of cable ties woven into a sculptural “vertebrae” to look like a fish skeleton, by design student, Guo Xia Tong from China. On view through Jan. 2, 2017. 325 – 5th Ave. N.
Chiyo Ishikawa, Seattle Art Museum’s Deputy Director of Art and Curator of European Painting and Sculpture gives a “First Friday Lecture” on Nov. 4 at 11am. She will discuss the show on Yves Saint Laurent. Part of the activities connected to Seattle Art Museum’s current show “Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style now on view through Jan. 8, 2017. The SAM Families “Free First Saturday” event for Nov. 5 at 11am is “Celebrating Diwali” in which you can celebrate the Indian festival of lights by making your own votive candle holder, see a fashion show and listen to traditional Indian music. “Conversations with Curators” is a popular series designed for SAM members. It starts up again with the following – All talks start at 7pm in the auditorium with a Happy Hour preceding the event at 6pm. Japanese and Korean Art Curator Xiaojin Wu gives a talk on Nov. 16. Chinese Art Curator Ping Fong speaks on Dec. 14. Curator of African and Oceanic Art, Pam McClusky talks on Jan. 18. Next year will see a show by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama spanning over five decades. “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors” will focus on her original series done in 1965 in which she displayed a vast expanse of red-spotted, white tubers in a room lined with mirrors, creating a jarring illusion of infinite space and move on throughout her whole career developing this concept. Opens Sept. 29, 2017 and remains on view through Sept. 10, 2017. The exhibit comes from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. where it will be exhibited Feb. 23 – May 14, 2017. Other dates for this touring exhibit TBA. Seattle Art Museum downtown at 1300 First Ave. 206-654-3100.
Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park – “Awakened Ones: Buddhas of Asia” comes from the museum’s own collection and features 20 sculptures and paintings of Buddhas from across Asia that span nearly 13 centuries. On view through Feb. 26, 2017 is “Terratopia: The Chinese Landscape in Painting and Film.” The importance of landscape is a key feature of Chinese art and this show gives it a new wrinkle by comparing Chinese landscape paintings from the collection with the sounds and images of artist and cinematographer Yang Fudong taken from his five-part film entitled “Seven Intellectuals in a Bamboo Forest (2003-7). The film experiments with ideas about what nature holds for people in the modern world by reimagining ancient history’s seven philosophers as seven successful youths who are disenchanted with the banality of daily urban life. Filmed in the famed Yellow mountains of eastern China, a place that inspired poetry and literature for centuries as well as a major school of landscape art. Chinese art curator Foong Ping says, “It’s a thinking person’s show…You have to look at something and ask ‘Why is it there? Why did you choose this one?’ and there will be an answer. It’s a puzzle.”. Immersed in both the audio and visual elements of the film, viewers may very well begin to see the Chinese landscapes on the wall in a new light. In a related activity, SAM Families “Free First Saturday” on Dec. 3 from 11am – 2pm will have families tour the show and then inspired by traditional Chinese paintings and Northwest landscapes, create their own landscape to take home. Tabaimo is a Japanese artist who currently has her first solo show of video installations at San Jose Museum of Modern Art. She will curate a show of her existing and new works as well as works from SAM’s collection that she has selected for their close connections with her own work entitled “Tabaimo: Utsutsushi Utsushi.” Her immersive and thought-provoking installations combine hand-drawn traditional Japanese wood block prints with digital manipulations. This is the first major exhibition curated by the artist and it is organized around the concept of “utsushi” which refers to the emulation of a master artist’s work as a way to understand their technique. Opens Nov. 11, 2016 and remains on view through Feb. 26, 2017. On the opening night of the exhibit, the artist Tabaimo will talk about her work with SAM Curator Xiaojin Wu at 7pm. Also Wu will give a free talk again about Tabaimo’s work at a “First Friday Lecture” on Dec. 2 at 11am. The Gardner Center’s “Saturday University” series this time centers around the theme of tea. All talks start at 9:30am in the auditorium. On Nov. 5, Piya Chatterjee from UC Riverside talks about “Consuming Empires, Consuming Desires: Images of Tea Times and Tea Labors. On Nov. 12, Morgan Pitelka from the University of North Carolina talks about “The Power and Pleasure of Tea Bowls in Japan.” On Nov. 19, Erika Rappaport from UC, Santa Barbara talks about how “Tea Revives the World: Advertising a Global Commodity during the Great Depression.”
The Gardner Center’s “Asia Talks” series presents Professors Clark Sorenson and Andrea Arai from UW who speak about “Spaces In, Between and Beyond Korean and Japan on Dec. 1 at 7pm in the auditorium. Please note that when the museum closes for extended renovation, Gardner Center’s Winter 2017 “Saturday University” series activities will continue at the alternative site of Seattle University at Pigott Hall and other places on the campus. Seattle Asian Art Museum is at 1400 Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. 206-442-8480 or go to seattleartmuseum.org/gardnercenter or gardnercenter@seattleartmuseum.org.
The works of Patti Warashina and her late husband Robert Sperry and Lead Pencil Studio (Annie Han & Daniel Mihalyo) are included in a unique group show curated by Vicki Halper entitled “Matched Makers-Northwest Artist Couples” on view through Jan. 1, 2017. Museum of Northwest Art at 121 South First St. in La Connor, WA.
Seattle artist Carina del Rosario brought her “Passport Office” art installation to Burien’s Arts Aglow Festival on September 10, 2016. “Every time I have to fill out a form, I bristle at the boxes I have to squeeze myself into. I know a lot of people who feel that way too.” Instead the artist creates new passports that lets people fill out with what they want to say about themselves and the meaningful things in their lives. The artist wants to provoke deeper questions like “why do we have categories like race, gender and immigration status anyway?” A portion of this series will be featured in the exhibition “Liberty Denied” at the Museum of Culture and the Environment” in Ellensburg through Dec. 10, 2016. For details, go to carina@cadelrosario.com.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum known for its classic Art Deco design built in 1933 will receive a major overhaul and renovation. The museum will close in the spring of 2017. The museum seeks input from the community in a series of meetings about what people envision for the Asian Art Museum of tomorrow. Go to visitsam.org/inspire or email SAM at feedback@seattleartmuseum.org for more information about upcoming community forums about the future of SAAM. Some goals include expanding educational and programming spaces, protecting the collection, restoring a historic icon, enhancing the museum’s connection with Volunteer Park and adding new exhibition space. Coming up are community meetings on Nov. 19, 2016 and Dec. 10, 2016 both at 1pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum at 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Come come and bring your imput and suggestions.
.
Comparing his own journey from China to Canada, the Yangtze River to the Frazier River, with that of the salmon migration, Canadian multi-media artist Gu Xiong has an installation entitled “A River of Migration”. Xiong says, “When the salmon returns, the river flows red. A spiritual river. A river of migration.” On view through Nov. 28, 2016. San Juan Islands Museum of Art on 540 Spring St. in Friday Harbor. 360-370-5050 or go to www.sjima.org.
“Eyes Water Fire” is a show of new work by Tomoyo Ihaya. As a nomad, the artist has a sensitivity to people forced to migrate because of social political situation. The work in this show reflects Ihaya’s emotional and visual diatribe against “. . . the suffering of people (because of) wars, suppression, abuse of human rights and loss of homelands and dignity.” Includes mixed media installations, mixed media drawings and an art video. On view through Nov. 25, 2016. Art Beatus Gallery. 108-808 Nelson St. in Vancouver, BC. 604-688-2633 or go to www.artbeatus.com.
If you missed the “Juxtapoz x Superflat” group exhibition curated by Takashi Murakami and Evan Pricco, Editor of Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine that showed for a few days at Pivot Art + Culture during the Seattle Art Fair, you now have a second chance. It will be on view Nov. 5 until Feb. 5, 2017 here in Vancouver. The emphasis is on art outside the mainstream dipping into subcultures of contemporary design, anime and manga. Includes work by Chiho Aoshima, Toilet Paper Magazine, Kim Jung Gi, Lucy Sparrow, Takashi Murakami and many others. Vancouver Art Gallery is at 750 Hornby St. in Vancouver BC, Canada. 604-662-4722 or go to www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.
“Taiken – Japanese Canadians Since 1877”, photography and artifacts that chronicle the hardships of pioneers to the struggles of the war years to the Nikkei community today. Nikkei National Museum at 6688 Southoaks Cres. In Burnaby B.C., Canada. 604-777-7000 or go to nikkeiplace.org.
The first Honolulu Biennial looks at Hawai’i not as a remote outpost but more like the crossroads of the Pacific Rim showcasing work from Japan, the Pacific Islands, Maoris and local talent. Opens March 8, 2017 and on view until May 8, 2017 at various venues. To get the whole schedule, go to honolulubiennial.org.
The Denver Art Museum has the following shows. “Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s—90’s” gives you a look at 70 works by avant-garde designers such as Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Kenzo Takada, Junya Watanabe, Kansai Yamamoto and Yohji Yamamoto. On view now through May 28, 2017. “Depth & Detail – Carved Bamboo from China, Japan & Korea” looks at this intricate decorative art that includes religious imagery, people, animals, birds, insects, plants and landscapes. All with a story to tell or having symbolic meaning. On view through Jan. 15, 2017. 100 W 14th Ave. Parkway in Denver. 720-865-5000.
“Japanese Photography From Postwar To Now” features over 400 recently acquired images from the 1960’s to the 1990’s with work by Daido Moriyama, Shomei Tomatsu and Miyako Ishiuchi. On view through March 12, 2017. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Go to sfmoma.org for details.
The Asian Art Museum, San Francisco at 200 Larkin St. 415-581-3500. In recent news, the museum is planning a massive expansion and renovation underwritten by donations from board members which include the wife of the original founder of Yahoo! and the President of Dreyer’s Ice Cream. Thai-born Kulapat Yantrasast’s wHY architectural firm of Los Angeles will oversee the project which begins in 2017. In an effort to step up its contemporary art programming, the museum recently hired curator Karin G. Oen from Dallas where she worked as curator at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The museum better known for historical exhibitions in the past is adding more contemporary shows as well. “28 Chinese” is a group show opening this summer with Xu Zhen, Zhang Huang and Ai We Wei organized by Miami collectors Mera and Don Rubell. The museum’s recent acquisitions of new art will debut in the fall with a group show entitled “First Look: Collecting Contemporary at the Asian” with work by Ahmed Mater, RongRong & Inri, Zhu Jinshi, Okura Jiro, Lu Shoukun and C. C. Wang.
A new exhibition entitled “Gardens, Art and Commerce in Chinese Woodblock Prints” remains on view through Jan. 9, 2017. The show includes forty-eight examples of woodblock prints made from the 16th century to 19th centuries on loan from the National Library of China in Beijing, the Nanjing Library, the Shanghai Museum and 14 other institutions and private collections. At the Huntington Library located at 1151 Oxford Rd. in San Marino, California. 626-405-2100.
Craft in America Center in Los Angeles has the following – The work of Taweesak Molsawat is included in a group show entitled “Politically Speaking: New American Ideals in Contemporary Jewelry” now on view through Nov. 5, 2016. Upcoming May 20 – July 1, 2017 is “Kazuki Takizawa: Catharsis Contained.” This LA-based artist puts human emotions in the shimmering, fragile form of glass. Of his work, he says “The harmonization of the radically different, such as violence and meditation, spontaneity and meticulousness, and destruction and repair is found in the process, as well as the result of my work.” Craft in America Center is at 1120 South Robertson Blvd. #301 in Los Angels. Go to 310-659-9022 or infor@craftinamerica.org.
Yuki Kimura’s photographs are like staged domestic environments with his own shots and those taken from other sources juxtaposed with furniture, potted plants and various objects. This marks Kimura’s first solo show in the US. Opens Dec. 8, 2016 and remains on view through Feb. 25, 2017. CCA Wattis Institute in San Francisco. 360 Kansas St. 415-355-9670.
The Japanese American National Museum has the following shows –“Tatau: Marks of Polynesia” on view until Jan. 8, 2017 showcases the art and legacy of the over 2,000 year old Samoan tattoo tradition. Opening March 12, 2017 and remaining on view until August 20, 2017 will be “New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei” which looks at the life and career of Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu. 100 North Central Ave. in Los Angeles. 1-800-461-5266 or go to janm.org.
Currently on view through Dec. 4, 2016 is “Alternative Dreams: 17th Century Chinese Paintings From the Tsao Family Collection” which showcases works by many of the most famous painters of this period, including scholars, officials, and Buddhist monks. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). 5905 Wilshire Blvd. 323-857-6010.
The Asia Society Museum in New York presents “No Limits: Zao Wou-Ki.” Co-organized with Colby College Museum of Art, it is the first retrospective of the work of this artist (1920-2013) in the United States. This Chinese-French artist melded eastern and western aesthetic sensibilities in his paintings to great effect and was a key figure of the post-WWII abstract expressionist movement. Zao was born in Beijing but grew up in Shanghai and Hangzhou, where he studied at the China Academy of Art. In 1948, he emigrated to Paris where he became a major name in the European art world. His work found its way into American collections in the 50’s and 60’s. He was one of the first artists to adapt the visual characteristics of Chinese art within twentieth-century oil painting idioms. The show is curated by Melissa Walt, Ankeney Weitz and Michelle Yun and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog. On view through January 8, 2017. 725 Park Ave. New York City, New York. 212-327-9721 or go to www.asiasociety.org.
The Japanese minimalist sculptor Kishio Suga gets his first US museum exhibition at DIA in Chelsea in New York City. Nov. 5 – April 2, 2017. Go to diaart.org for details.
Opening in the Spring of 2017 will be the Whitney Biennial which was started in 1932 and is still considered one of the pre-eminent biennials in the country. This 2017 edition is co-curated by Asian Americans, Christopher Y. Lew and Mia Locks. 99 Gansevoort St. in New York City. Go to www.whitney.org.
Drawings, paintings and photos illustrate the great architectural sites and buildings of Tibet in the exhibition entitled “Monumental Lhasa: Fortress, Palace, Temple” on view now through Jan. 9, 2017 at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. Go to rubinmuseum.org for details.
“Isamu Noguchi – Archaic/Modern” explores how pyramids, burial mounds, temples and the gardens of the ancient world shaped one of America’s most innovative sculptors. Nov. 11, 2016 – March 19, 2017. Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. Free and open daily. 8th and G Streets NW. Go to AmericanArt.si.edu for details.
The Art Institute of Chicago presents the following. “The Shogun’s World: Japanese Maps of the 18th and 19th Centuries” through Nov. 6, 2016. This exhibition of maps showcases the beauty of Japanese printmaking. Coming up – “Ink on Paper: Japanese Monochromatic Works” in Gallery 107. This exhibit showcases the simple and striking use of dark ink on paper before the advent of color printing. Nov. 12 – Jan. 29, 2017. “Provoke”: Photography in Japan Between Protest and Performance, 1960-1975.” Opens Jan. 28, 2017 and remains on view through April 30, 2017. 111 South Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600.
Yoko Ono’s first permanent installation in the Americas debuted in Chicago’s Jackson Park recently. Entitled “Sky Landing”, the piece consists of 12 steel lotus petals and mounds that form the ying yang symbol for peace. It was constructed in an area dedicated to Japan – U.S. relations. President Obama’s Presidential Library is also scheduled to be built in this park. A 13th single lotus petal sculpture will also be placed in the Art Institute of Chicago. A companion cd of “Sky Landing” music written by Ono and recorded by Chicago-based musician Tatsu Aoki has also been released.
“Narcissus Garden” was an installation created by the grande dame of contemporary Japanese art, Yayoi Kusama for the 33rd Venice Biennale back in 1966. She re-creates that piece consisting of over 1,000 mirrored spheres at the famed American architect Phillip Johnson’s historic glazed building in New Canaan, Connecticut known as the Glasshouse Museum. Kusama floats a landscape of metallic orbs that sweep across the meadow and forest of the grounds on the way to the building. “Narcissus Garden” is on view through November, 2016. For tickets for a tour, go to contact@theglasshouse.org.
The Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University has the following – Upcoming is a group exhibition that investigates a wide range of themes surrounding the changing role of women in China in an exhibition entitled “Fire Within: A New Generation of Chinese Women Artists”. Included are the work of twenty-eight emerging working in painting, installation, sculpture, video, animation, photography and performance. The generation of artists born in China during the 1970s and 1980s witnessed significant changes throughout their society as the country opened up to foreign markets and international exchange. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog with an essay by the curator, Dr. Wang Chunchen and interviews with the artists. There will be various activities including performances by Hu Jiayi, Lin Ran, and Luo Wei. On view through February 12, 2017. This museum was designed by the late Pritzker prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. 504 East Circle Dr. in East Lansing, Michigan. 517-884-4800 or try eebam@msu.edu.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has re-designed the display for their superb collection of South Asian art. It re-opened on Oct. 2 after an 18 month, $2.7 million re-do, the first in over 40 years. Now collections and genres for each country are linked into two major themes – “Art and the Devine” and “Art, Power, Status.” 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Go to www.philamuseum.org for details.
.
“Bingata! Only in Okinawa” is an exhibit on the textile art of that country that opens Nov. 5, 2016 and remains on view through Jan. 30, 2017 at George Washington University Museum’s Textile Museum in Washington D.C. Okinawa was an independent kingdom until 1879, with its own language, culture and distinctive textile traditions. This exhibition has textile treasures from Okinawan museum collections with brightly colored bingata traditional resist-dyed fabrics and contemporary works by Okinawan artists and fashion designers. Organized in partnership with the Okinawa Prefectural Government. 701-21st St. NW. Call 202-994-5200 or go to museuminfo@gwu.edu.
“Winter in Jeju-Do” is on view through Dec. 16, 2016. Photographer Caroline Philippone’s attempt to document this Korean island’s mountains, coastal towns and temples in winter. This island is located in the southernmost area of South Korea. Miami University Art Museum’s Douglass Gallery at 801 S. Patterson Ave. in Oxford, Ohio. Go to miamioh.edu/artmuseum for details.
If current shows in Japan are any indicator, that country is in a navel-gazing mood with shows that look back to the past to evaluate the future. In the 1960’s there was an explosion of new graphic art that graced the covers of albums and rock concert posters. Japan was not exempt from this trend and Tadanori Yokoo is best known for his vibrant poster art and album covers. “Yokoo Maniarism Vol. 1” looks at his works based on diary entries in which he attempted to draw/scribble down images from his dreams and whatever else he could catch before they dissolved from memory. On view until Nov. 27, 2016 at the Yokoo Tadanori Musem of Contemporary Art at 3-8-30 Harada-dori, Nada Ku, Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. “Charm of the Scholar’s Desk – Water Droppers of the Joseon Dynasty” on view until Nov. 27, 2016. In the Asian tradition of calligraphy, the “four treasures of the study” are considered brush, ink, paper and inkstone” but the water dropper (used to wet inkstones) is not far behind. In the Joseon Dynasty (1397-1910), calligraphy was a popular art form for the ruling class and literati alike. Water droppers were made in a variety of shapes and sizes and decorated with ideas and motifs. This show brings together 126 water droppers from the Museum of Oriental Ceramics collection. 1-1-26 Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku in Osaka, Japan. “The Power of Colors – Contemporary Ceramic Art from the Kikuchi Collection” on view until Dec. 4, 2016. Colors take on various significance in the world of ceramic art. This show shows the vast array of possibilities and the power of unique hues. All pieces taken from the Tomo Kikuchi Collection. At Musee Tomo in the Nishikubo Building, 4-1-35 Toronomon, Minato-Ku in Tokyo.
Thirty-three year old artist Hao Liang offers his contemporary version of “gongbi”, a static and meticulously refined style that reached its apex during the Song dynasty. Features eight ink- on -silk works that reprises the theme of “Eight Views of Xiaoxing”. Nov. 4, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017 at Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing. 4 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Chaoyang, Beijing, China. Call +86 10 578 0200 or go to visit@ucca.org.cn.
Like Morandi, the Japanese artist Yamada Masaaki (1930-2010) spent his whole life doing the same paintings over and over again. His abstract pieces use unusual hues and imprecise horizontal stripes with drips. Opens Dec. 6, 2016 and remains on view through Feb. 12, 2017 at National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda in Tokyo. Call 81 3-5777-8600.
The Southern Branch of the famed National Palace Museum in Taipei has opened in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Unlike its namesake which features the cream of Chinese art that Chang Kai-shek was able to take with him when his Nationalist army fled China during the Communist take-over, this museum has a different agenda. Instead of an emphasis on Chinese culture, it presents a more global view of Asia as a whole. It focuses on how Asian cultures across the region have a shared culture using motifs in the way of objects such as textiles, ceramics, tea and references to Buddhism and Islam.
“Learning The Magic of Painting” is Takashi Murakami’s show of new work at Gallerie Perrotin in Paris on view until Dec. 23, 2016. It includes new pieces from his “500 Arhats” series which was unveiled recently at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo as his response to the 2011 East Japan Earthquake. He also continues his exploration of the “Enso” series (literally ‘circle’ in Japanese), a Zen Buddhist motif for emptiness. A new wrinkle for the European audience is his triptychs and diptychs inspired by Francis bacon’s tortured figures. At 76 Rue De Turenne in Paris.
A catalog for “Simultaneity II”, the recent Art Beatus Gallery exhibition of esteemed Korean abstractionist Suh Seung-Won has been published. The publication brings together works from 1970 to the present day and discusses Suh Seung-Won’s meditative, monochrome paintings with respect to the Danseakhwa movement. With essays by Dong Jo Chang and Oh Kwang-Soo. For shipping costs email info@artbeatus.com or call 604-688-2633.
The non-profit organization known as Washington Lawyers for the Arts provides the following workshops for artists. “Art Law Institute” on Mon., Dec. 5 at noon at Perkins Coie LLP. For more information, go to info@wla.org.
Lisa Sasaki, Oakland Museum of California’s Director of Audience and Civic Engagement has taken a new position as Director of the Asian Pacific American Center of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D. C. Sasaki previously worked as director of program development at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) from 2003 – 2012.
Anicka Yi has won the 2016 Hugo Boss Prize. Go to Guggenheim.org/hugobossprize.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines chose “The Spectre of Comparison” by Joselina Cruz as the winning proposal for the Philippines Pavillion at the 57th Venice Biennale.
Bangladeshi-born, London-raised artist Rana Begum won the top prize in the Abraaj Group Art Prize 2017.
Vancouver-based architect Bing Thom who died recently at the age of 75 was one of Canada’s most respected architects whose reputation was closely related to the work he did around the city of Vancouver. He was behind the Central City Project with Simon Fraser University that transformed the downtown core in Surrey, B.C. He also designed the mead Center for American Theatre in Washington D.C. and the Tarrart County College in Ft. Worth, Texas. His recent project was the Xiqu Center, a modern home for Chinese opera in Hong Kong. He studied locally with architect Arthur Erickson and worked for Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki in the 70’s. His work was known for swooping forms, the warmth of wood and the play of light.
Performing Arts
SIS Productions presents a new play by Dipika Guha entitled “Mechanics of Love.” (see related article in this issue) What do a ballerina with an artificial spine, a well-organized housewife, a mechanic who wants everything and a man with keeps forgetting have in common? Well, they’re all looking for love in a mythical European city. This modern fairytale produced in association with Theatre Of Jackson has a run at that theatre through Nov. 5 (Wed. – Sun. ) Sunday performances at 4pm. Directed by David Hsieh. Cast includes Mona Leach, Kathy Hsieh, Manny Golez or Laurence Hughes, Josh Kenji Langager and Lauren Wilder. 409 – 7th Ave. S. in Chinatown/ID neighborhood. Twitter@SeattleSIS or via #MoLOVE!
Cindy Lou Johnson’s “Brillant Traces” inaugurates the opening of ReAct Theatre’s new performance space at Prima Vera Arts Center on now through Dec. 4. The play deals with the issues of love and family when two strangers find themselves stranded in a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness and begun to bond. Stars Francesca Betancourt and Cooper Harris-Turner. Directed by David Hsieh. Performances are on Friday and Sat. at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm & 8pm. Nov. 6 is a “pay-what-you-can” night and if you bring a food bank donation, you get $1 off your ticket. Get your tickets at http://reactaliens.brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006 or 206-364-3283. For details, go to www.reacttheatre.org.
Café Nordo located at 109 South Main St. in Pioneer Square latest production “Hotel Nordo” evokes the 125 year old history of a former neighborhood hotel with a surrealistic dinner that ties into the hotel’s haunting tales of death, loss and regret. On Nov. 11 & 12, Café Nordo will add an overnight stay to the current production. At the conclusion of “Hotel Nordo” audience members who sign up will be led to the historic Panama Hotel at 6th & Main in Seattle’s old Japantown where they will check into a room to stay the night and be treated to a performance of “YUREI: The Lost Chapter of Hotel Nordo at the Panama Hotel.” You will be a witness to history as this hotel served as a temporary place of Japanese American working immigrants and where many families left their belongings when they were forced into internment camps during WWII. Many never returned to pick up their belongings. A local team of Japanese and Japanese American artists have created an immersive “lost chapter” for this show. For $500, you get a room for two at the Panama, plus the Hotel Nordo theatre experience with dinner, the “YUREI” performance and a midnight snack, sake toast and breakfast. Go to http://www.cafenordo.com/panama-hotel for tickets. Peformers include Naho Shioya, Paul Kikuchi, Susie Kozawa, Joselynn Engstrom and Crow Nishimura. For those of you who don’t wish to spend the night, there will also be a free performance of “YUREI” on Sat., Nov. 12 from 5 – 7pm at the Panama Hotel. 206-547-6215 or