February 2, 2022 – Arts And so forth.
Design by Kanami Yamashita
Visual Arts
Installation artist Satpreet Kahlon’s new piece “a boundary, a demarcation” is on view February 11 – April 8, 2022 at the Jack Straw Cultural Center. Using segmented pieces of image transferred onto found wood and cardboard, the artist has created a piece about nostalgia, access, and geographical displacement. Visits by appointment from M-F, 10am – 5:30pm. Opening reception is on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 7pm. Email for reservations. An Artist Talk takes place on Friday, March 25 at 7pm streaming via Jack Straw on Facebook Live. There will be a Youth and Family Workshop with a date to be announced. For details, email [email protected] 4261 Roosevelt Way NE in Seattle. 206-634-0919 or [email protected]
“Regeneration” is the title of Michelle Kumata’s mixed media exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 which resulted in the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast. Opening reception is on Wed., February 1, 2022 from 6 – 8pm and again on Thursday, February 2 from 6 – 8pm. The show will be on view from February 2 – March 26, 2022 at the Bonfire Gallery on 603 South Main St. 206-790-1073 or go to www.thisbonfire.com.
Traver Gallery has their “Gallery Artist Group Exhibition” on view through February 26, 2022. Ceramic artist Ling Chun has a show of new work on view March 3 – 26, 2022. This Hong Kong-born artist and a beauty school dropout does work that is playful and colorful with equal parts whimsy and a concern for the physicality of materials separating them their stereotypes and cultural references by questioning their authenticity. 110 Union #200 in downtown Seattle. 206-587-6501.
California-based artist Hiroshi Sato focuses in on a contemporary realist oil painting tradition with an interest in the geometric design principles of both the old masters and the new. A show of his recent work is on view through February 26, 2022. Harris/Harvey Gallery at 1915 First Ave. in downtown Seattle. 206-443-3315 or [email protected].
Local sculptor June Sekiguchi has closed 2021 with a flurry of activities including public art projects and future exhibitions. She completed a public art commission at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in her home state of Arkansas in Little Rock. Entitled “Tales of the Land: A Metaphorical Topography”, it follows the blue lit Arkansas River as it weaves its way across the land. Closer to the Northwest, she completed an installation entitled “Glacial Crystals” at Glacier Middle School in Buckley. Commissioned through the Washington State Arts Commission, the sculptures reference the glaciers on Mt. Tahoma and the molecular structure of ice as well as a compilation of Coast Salish vocabulary of shapes in honor of the Puyallup and Muckleshoot Indian tribes native to the region. An installation currently on exhibit at Foss Waterway Seaport Museum on the Tacoma waterfront will be re-installed at the Vashon Center for the Arts in the Atrium from March 4 – 26, 2022. Sekiguchi is also working at a work –in- progress which is a collaboration with Jonathan Clarren at Tapestry through art consultant Bill Gaylord. The location is an outdoor café at the site of the Curtain Manufacturing Building at 12th & Yesler in Seattle. The design excavates the 4 cultures inhabiting the land from the Indigenous Duwamish, Jewish, Japanese, and African Americans in cultural sedimentary layers. Sekiguchi is represented locally by ArtXchange Gallery of Seattle
Western Washington University instructor and artist/poet Jane Wong makes her Canadian debut in an exhibition with artist duo Mizzonk in an exhibition entitled “NOURISH” which examines the themes of isolation, fear of food shortages, poverty and the importance of mental health. The Richmond Art Gallery (RAG) presents “NOURISH” on display through April 3, 2022 by curator Nan Capogna. For her Canadian premiere, Wong presents “After Preparing the Altar, The Ghosts Feast Feverishly”, an installation that features an oversized, round dining table that holds bowls containing the fragments of a poem written by the artist. It pays homage to the artist’s experiences growing up in her family’s Chinese American restaurant in the 1980s and ‘90s and recalls her parent’s history of hunger during the Great Leap Forward in China. Mizzonk (Wan-Yi Lin and Roger Chen) present a new work “Six Acres” which refers to their new rural home. A projected animation produced from watercolor drawings on paper, the work was developed from the duo’s observations of living and working in a rural environment. After experiencing 9/11 from the roof top of their Brooklyn studio; they decided to move outside of an urban center in search of a restorative environment. Mizzonk will give two artist talks with curator Nan Capogna on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at 2pm (in English) and on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 (in Mandarin). Jane Wong leads an in person storytelling workshop for participants to share their own stories about food on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 at 1pm. Limited capacity with registration required. “BC Family Day” takes place on Feb. 21, 2022 from 11am – 3pm features hands-on art activities and tours for all ages. Local artist Jeni Chen will lead activities to create artwork for a small hand-made book inspired by the exhibition. Part of the Richmond Children’s Arts Festival. More details at childrensartfestival.ca. And finally on March 12, 2022 at 1pm, Jane Wong leads a discussion with other “restaurant babies” (those who grew up in their family’s restaurant or store. Registration required with a hosted online Q&A. More information at richmondartgallery.org. For press kit and images, go to bit.ly/RAGnourish.
Minh Carrico is a local visual artist known primarily for working in photography, graphic design and public art. His new body of work is going online and explores live storytelling with photographs. It’s a four part series of autobiographical monologues that explore his Asian American experiences while living in Arkansas, Texas and New York Appearing on Zoom from 2 – 3pm (PST) on the third Sunday of the month. The last excerpt “Kings to King” is on Feb. 20, 2022. Instagram link is @minhcarrico or try [email protected] for details.
The Whatcom Museum opens a couple exhibits related to portraits. At their Lightcatcher Building, the group show “Up Close & Personal: The Body in Contemporary Art” remains on view through February 27. 2022. Curated by Amy Chaloupka from the collection of Driek and Michael Zirinsky, this exhibit examines the human body through the expressive lens of 60 artists. Included in this show is work by Long-Bin Chen, Dinh Q. Le, Susie J. Lee, Hung Liu, Beth Lo, Roger Shimomura, Akio Takamori, Lena Takamori, Samatha Wall, Kumi Yamashita, Wanxin Zhang and many others. The Lightcatcher Building is at 250 Flora St. To complement the exhibition, the museum will also host a companion exhibit at Old City Hall entitled “Artists X Artists” which explores the intimate portraits of artists by artists. On view through April 10, 2022. That exhibit is drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection. Old City Hall is at 121 Prospect St. 360-778-8930 or try www.whatcommuseum.org.
“Citizen’s Indefinite Leave” is a new series of intricate paper cutaways by Lauren Iida incorporating historical scenes from the unjust incarceration of 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry in the USA during WWII. Iida was named Artist-in-Residence” with Densho, an organization dedicated to preserving the histories of Japanese Americans. The artworks in this show pay homage to the struggle of Iida’s grandparents and great grandparents and explores the trauma of this era and how it has influenced her own relationship with her Japanese American cultural heritage. On view through February 19, 2022. “Works on Paper” is a group exhibition with art by gallery artists Alan Lau (full disclosure – yes, it’s me), Gilchun Koh, Jiyoung Chung, Donald Cole and Elaine Hanowell. On view February 3 – March 26, 2022. Events include the Pioneer Square Art Walk on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 5 – 8pm. Go to artxchangegallery.com for details. 512 1st Ave. S. 206-839-0377 or artxchange.org.
“Kenjiro Nomura, American Modernist: An Issei artist’s Journey” is on view at Cascadia Art Museum through February 20, 2022. It is the first exhibition for this Northwest artist in over sixty years. Nomura painted landscapes of Seattle neighborhoods, particularly downtown and the Chinatown/ID before the war and owned Noto Sign Company with another prominent artist Shokichi Tokita. After internment and the end of WWII, Nomura returned with a modern abstract style. He also holds the distinction of being the first artist to receive a solo show at Seattle Art Museum. This show will show the trajectory of his varied career. It is accompanied by a book by historian Barbara Johns. 190 Sunset Avenue South in Edmonds,Washington. 425-336-4809 or cascadiaartmuseum.org.
Davidson Galleries has the following – “Unique Impressions – International Monoprint and Monotype Invitational 2022” is on view through February 26, 2022. It includes work by Taiko Chandler and Keiko Hara among many others. Opening March 4, 2022 will be “Mariko Ando: Mischief Imaginative” which features hand-colored etchings buy the Japanese artist. 313 Occidental Ave. S. in Seattle. 206-624-7684 or go to davidsongalleries.com.
Seattle Art Museum’s downtown location has the following. “”Folding Into Shape – Japanese Design and Crafts” is on view through September 25, 2022. Creating three-dimensional objects by folding, layering and weaving two dimensional materials is a core concept in Japanese design and crafts. Ranging from textiles and paintings to ceramics and bamboo baskets, this exhibit serves up various examples from the permanent collection and private holdings. Also on view is “Pure Amusements: Wealth, Leisure, And Culture in Late Imperial China.” Another ongoing show is “Northwest Modernism: Four Japanese Americans” which takes a look at the work of Kenjiro Nomura, Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi and George Tsutakawa. Seattle Asian Art Museum has the following. The Saturday University lecture series continues with the following – Author Yuriko Kuchiki gives a talk entitled “Building Global Markets For Asian Art” in which she discusses the rise and fall of Yamanaka & Company, once one of the most successful Asian art dealers in the West. Yamanaka’s assets were confiscated by the US government and sold off at the start of WWII. On Saturday, February 12 at 10am. This is a virtual presentation. Go to https://seattleartmuseum.org/visit/calendar/events?Eventid=81917. On Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 10am at SAAM, catch Dr. Natasha Reichle, Associate Curator of Southeast Asian Art at Asian Art Museum, San Francisco with a talk entitled “Lost At Sea” as she addresses the topic of what art can be salvaged from the sea tell us about the trade and colonial enterprise and who is entitled to centuries-old artworks recovered from shipwrecks? All talks in-person or online. SAM recently created a new position for a South Asian art curator and the first show on that theme opens on January 14, 2022 and it is entitled “Embodied: South Asian Art Across Time.” “Boundless: Stories of Asian Art” is an ongoing group show re-imagining of items from the museum’s permanent collection of Asian art. “Be/longing: Contemporary Asian Art” is an ongoing show that showcases current trends in contemporary Asian art. In the Fuller Garden Court you will find Kenzan Tsutakawa Chinn’s permanent installation “Gather.” Tsutakawa Chinn is a Seattle-raised, New York-based LED light installation artist. Tour Seattle Art Museum’s Japanese art collection with curator Xiaojin Wu as she talks about significant pieces in the collection. This appeared in SAM News Nov. 1, 2021 issue WW1.seattleartmuseumorg. Go to seattleartmuseum.org for details on all this. The Museum’s new Saturday University Series is curated under the theme of “Encountering Asia: Plunderers and Collectors.” Presented with the UW’s Jackson School of International Studies and the Elliott Bay Book Company. For more information, try https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/calendar/events?eventid=79691 and for Zoom registration, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YdqRTc64QleaSDWgCt1QRA. Try [email protected] for more details. There is a video on artist Zhang Huan’s piece “Family Tree” on view at SAAM in the “Be/longing: Contemporary Asian Art” show. To view it, go to samblog.seattleartmuseum.org. Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park reopens on May 28, 2021. Tickets released every Thursday at 10am. Tickets must be obtained in advance. Capacity is limited.
The Wing Luke Asian Museum reopens on March 5, 2021. Hours are Fridays through Sundays from 10am – 5pm. Reserving tickets online prior to visit is highly encouraged as it is operating at limited capacity. Current exhibits include the following –. Current exhibit is “Gerard Tsutakawa: Stories Shaped in Bronze” which explores the inspiration, design, and the fabrication process of public sculptures by Gerard Tsutakawa as well as their effect on Seattle physically, socially and culturally. There are many virtual programs now as well. On view through April 17, 2022. Ongoing exhibits include the following – “Community Spread: How We Faced a Pandemic”, “Woven Together: Stories of Burma/Myanmar”, “Where Beauty Lies” looks at how Asian Americans look at themselves and measure beauty,“A Dragon Lies Here” is the latest phase of the Bruce Lee exhibit, “The Heart of Our Journey” is a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Asian Pacific American experience, “I Am Filipino” looks at the story of Filipino Americans”, “Hometown Desi” covers the local South Asian experience and “Cambodian Cultural Museum and Killing Fields Memorial” looks at the Cambodian America experience and the impact of the Killing fields on that country’s history. There are virtual tours of the museum on weekday mornings. Pre-booking available for private groups. Contact the museum to sign up. Live virtual tours of the Freeman Hotel on Thursdays at 5pm PDT. Check out what’s in the gift shop with the Museum’s online marketplace. The monthly storytime programs can be watched at www.digitalwingluke.org/programs.
KOBO, a unique shop of arts and crafts from Japan and items made by Northwest artists has two shops in Seattle on Capitol Hill and in the Chinatown/ID/Japantown community downtown. Masks are required and you must use the provided hand sanitizer upon entering. 30 minute shopping sessions by appointment only at the KOBO on Capitol Hill will soon be made available through an online booking system. Time slots will be limited to keep everyone safe, plus more protective protocols in place to meet safety guidelines. Shipping and curbside pickup is still available by scheduling a Pickup Time at Checkout. They have a new instagram shopping account @koboseattleshop or try their website at koboseattle.com. Current gallery exhibit features the work of Kate Greiner with paintings of places, moments in time and little portals. KOBO at Higo hours are Wed. – Sat. from 11am – 5pm. The Capitol Hill store is at 814 E. Roy St. and their hours are Tues. – Sat. from 11am to 5pm. KOBO at Higo is at 604 South Jackson St. in the CID.
Bellevue Arts Museum has an ongoing collaborative exhibition of innovative glass works by Terri Grant & Purnima Patel entitled “Trace”. Also on view until April 24, 2022 is “BAM Biennial – 2021 Architecture and Urban Design”, a group show which has work by Satpreet Kahlon, Jonathan Teng, Nina Vichayapal and many others. Kahlon also has a solo exhibit here set for 2023. 510 Bellevue Way NE in Bellevue, WA. 425-519-0770 or try bellevuearts.org.
The Pacific Bonsai Museum has the following – “Works In Our Permanent Collection” includes 50 works of bonsai artistry selected from our permanent collection for seasonal display with some autumnal beauties. “Stone Images XI” is on view through January 9, 2022. Use your imagination to see mountains, trees, figures, animals and even deep space when you view 30 stones from six states selected by the Northwest Viewing Stone Club of Puget Sound Association. 2515 South 336th St. in Federal Way, WA. Admission is by donation. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm. 253-353-7345 or email [email protected].
Tacoma Art Museum re-opens April 10th, 2021. “Painting Deconstructed: Selections from the Northwest Collection” includes work by Ed Aulerich-Sugai, Tram Bui, Donnabelle Casis, Paul Horiuchi, Fumiko Kimura, Roy Kiyooka, John Matsudaira, Mark Takamichi Miller, Kenjiro Nomura, Frank Okada, Joseph Park, Roger Shimomura, Maki Tamura, Kamekichi Tokita, George Tsutakawa, Thuy-Van Vu and many others. On view for an extended time. 1701 Pacific Avenue. 253-272-4258 or go to [email protected].
The Outdoor Sculpture Collection on the campus of Western Washington University in Bellingham is open and accessible to everyone. This is an outdoor collection of major sculptures from the late 20th century to the present and includes work by Do Ho Suh, Sarah Sze and Isamu Noguchi among others. Get a map from the information booth and explore the campus collection for yourself. Call 360-650-3900.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU is a new art space for Eastern Washington. Inaugural shows include the following – “”Mirror, Mirror: The Prints of Alison Saar” on view until March 12, 2022. Also ongoing are “Art & Healing” virtual exhibitions. The museum plans a retrospective exhibition for Eastern Washington artist Keiko Hara for 2022. “Keiko Hara: The Poetics of Space, Four Decades of Paintings” is set for May 2022 – December 2022. There are a number of activities in which the staff will give tours of the new space. If you are interested, try https:/museum.wsu.edu/about/meet-the-staff. 1535 Wilson Road on the Washington State University campus in Pullman. 509-335-1910 or try [email protected].
The Museum of Vancouver has “A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia” which highlights the importance of food and restaurant culture in the Chinese-Canadian immigrant experience. Situated in Vanier Park at 1100 Chestnut St. in Vancouver, BC, Canada. 604-736-4431 or try museumofvancouver.ca.
The Chinese Cultural Centre Museum at 555 Columbia St. in Vancouver B.C. has an ongoing exhibit entitled “Generation to Generation – History of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia”. 604-658-8880 or go to cccvan.com.
Vancouver Art Gallery has “GROWING FREEDOM: The instructions of Yoko Ono/ The art of John and Yoko” which opens October 9, 2021. 750 Hornby St. in Vancouver BC, Canada. Go to https://ww.vanartgallery.bc.ca/.
“Broken Promises” is a 7 year multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, community engaged project that explores the dispossession of Japanese Canadians in the 1940s. It illuminates the loss of home and the struggle for justice of one racially marginalized community. Opening June 27, 2021 is a group show entitled “Iron Willed: Women in STEM” which features inspirational women such as Irene Uchida, Donna Stricklan and Jocelyn Bell Burnell and their important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This exhibit addresses the many structural and cultural barriers that contribute to gender biases and underrepresentation of women in these fields. Also on view is an ongoing exhibit on “TAIKEN: Japanese Canadians Since 1877”. Opening on October 23, 2021 is “SAFE/Home” is a collaboration between Kellen Hatanaka and Alexa Hatanaka. Through the lens of the historic Vancouver Asahi baseball team, these artists explore issues of race, xenophobia, representation and implicit bias that are relevant in both sport and society today. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby at 6688 Southoaks Crescent. 604-777-7000 or try nikkeiplace.org.
Canadian artist Matthew Wong lived with autism spectrum disorder and as a teenager, he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome as well. He struggled with depression his whole life, dying by suicide in 2019. Yet this Toronto-born artist who studied anthropology, specialized in photography and wrote poetry eventually found his calling in painting beginning in 2013. Largely self-taught, he created more than 1,000 works in a span of a few years. Now “Blue View”, an exhibit of more than 40 of his works painted between 2017 – 2019 are on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Canada. 317 Dundas St. W. On view through April 18, 2022. 416-979-6648 or try ago.ca.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene has the following – “Korean Ceramic Culture: Legacy of Earth & Fire” on view through May 8, 2022. “Fit to Print: The Dawn of Journalism – Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Lavenberg & Michels Collection” opens July 31, 2021. “Myriad Treasures – Celebrating the Reinstallation of the Soreng Gallery of Chinese Art” on view through June 30, 2022. Upcoming exhibition on the work of the late Bay Area artist Hung Liu entitled “Remember This: Hung Liu at Trillium” is on view from February 6 – August 28, 2022. The renowned California artist explores portraits, landscapes and still-lifes that reflect upon history, memory, tradition, migration and social justice. 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene, Oregon. 541-346-3027.
An exhibition with the ceramic work of the late respected UW art instructor Akio Takamori will be shown with work by Rene Rickabaugh from March 2 – April 2, 2022. Russo Lee Gallery at 805 NW 21st Ave. in Portland. 503-226-2754 or russoleegallery.com.
Blackfish Gallery in Portland is unique in that it is a member-driven collective. A “New Member” group show of 5 new artists on view through January 29, 2022 includes the work of Sung Park. Longtime Portland artists Robert R.Dozono and Paul Missal share the space with a show of their recent work on view from February 1 – 26, 2022.Dozono integrates garbage with paint to depict tranquil scenes of nature. Paul Missal emphasizes the use of light and rhythm within his still life compositions. Both artists leave a long legsy of contributions to Blackfish Gallery since its inception. There will be a visual artist talk and gallery tour with the artists on Facebook live at 4:30pm on First Thursday, February 3,2022. Go to httpas://www.facebook.com/BlackfishGallery. An artist opening reception at the gallery takes place from 5 – 8pm. 420 NW 9th Ave. Portland, Oregon. 503-224-2634 or go to blackfish.com.
Portland Japanese Garden’s new shows include the following. In the Tanabe Gallery on view through April 17, 2022 from 10am – 3:30pm is “Art of Vitality: Peter Shinbach Bamboo Art Collection”. This Portland resident’s collection showcases some of Japan’s most revered names in Japanese bamboo including Maeda Chikubosai I, Kibe Seiho and Honda Syoryu. The Pavillion Gallery presents “Fashion and Fantasy – The Art of Netsuke Carvings” on view from February 12 – April 17, 2022, 2022. Netsuke are small accessories fashioned from wood, ivory and porcelain. These miniature pieces were used to secure small pouches to men’s pocketless kimonos. From the Coonan Family Collection. 611 SW Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321.
Japanese American Museum of Oregon is now open in a new space. Current exhibits include the following – “Oregon’s Nikkei: An American Story of Resilence” and “Grace, Grit and Gaman: Japanese American Women Through The Generations” curated by Marsha Matthews and Linda Tamura on view through March 13, 2022. Upcoming shows include the following – “Na Omi Shintani: Dream Refuge for Children Imprisoned”. This Bay Area artist builds a refuge for imprisoned children, whether they be Japanese Americans in WWII concentration camps, American Indian boarding school children or Central American children imprisoned and separated from their families. This show will be on view from April – September of 2022. “Resilence – A Sansei Sense of Legacy” is a group show of eight artists whose work reflects upon the effect of Executive Order 9066 and how it resonated from generation to generation. This group show will be on view from October 1 – December 22, 2022. Artists include Kristine Aono, Reiki Fuji, Wendy Maruyama, Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, Tom Nakashima, Roger Shimomura, Judy Shintani and Jerry Takigawa. The show was co-curated by Jerry Takigawa and Gail Enns. Several online exhibits on the history of Japanese Americans in Oregon can also be viewed. 411 NW Flanders. 503-224-1458 or email [email protected].
Portland Chinatown Museum has the following – Their permanent exhibit is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” On view through March, 2022 is Seattle photojournalist Dean Wong’s photo essay on “The Future of Chinatowns.” It will look at the gentrification and displacement going on in four West Coast Chinatowns. A series of virtual and live events and public programs are planned around this exhibit. A Zoom interview with the photographer/artist will be available for viewing online shortly. Portland installation artist Roberta Wong has a window installation in memory of Vincent Chin, the Chinese American man killed by two Detroit workers entitled “Vincent”. Portland Chinatown Museum is located at 127 N.W. Third Ave. 503-224-0008 or email [email protected].
The Asian Art Museum, San Francisco has the following currently on view. “Team Lab: Sketch Ocean.” “Zheng Chongbin: I Look For The Sky.” “After Hope: Vidoes of Resistance.” “Afruz Amighi: My House, My Tomb.” Site-specific installations – “Momento: Jayashree Chakravarty and Lam Tung Pang.” Outside murals by Channel Miller and Jennifer K.Wofford are visible from Hyde St. Opening December 17, 2021 is “Weaving Stories – Indonesia, The Philippines and Malaysia”. “Seeing Gender” opens January 21, 2022. And coming in the Summer of 2022 is the first major museum retrospective for Bay Area iconic performance artist and visual artist Carlos Villa, a longtime noted instructor at San Francisco Art Institute. The show is entitled “Carlos Villa: Worlds in Collusion”. 200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA. 415-581-3500.
The Berkeley Art Museum/PFA has the following. “Beyond Boundaries: Buddhist Art of Gandhara” on view through March 13, 2022. “Spiritual Mountains: The Art of Wesley Tongson” features eleven paintings by this late Hong Kong artist whose work draws from traditional Chinese paintings and techniques and processes. Shown with historic Chinese brush paintings from the museum’s own collection. On view January 12 – June 14, 2022. 155 Center St. Berkeley, CA 510-642-0808 or go to [email protected].
The San Jose Museum of Art has the following. A massive installation entitled “Factory of the Sun” by European artist Hito Steyerl is on view through September 25, 2022. It tells the surreal story of workers whose forced moves in a motion capture studio are turned into artificial sunlight. The work of the late Bay Area artist Leo Valledor is included in a group show entitled “Break + Bleed” in which the artwork oscillates between ideads of linearity and geometry and overlapping planes of color and form. On view through April 3, 2022.110 South Market St. in San Jose, CA. 408-271-6840.
“Face It: Artists’ Portraits” is a group show on view through February 19, 2022. Curated by Martha Manson, the show includes work by Joe Aki ouye, Karen Nagano, Rick Deragon, Jerry Takigawa, Pamela Takigawa and many others. The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. At 4th and Guadalupe in Carmel, CA. An outdoor closing reception is set for Sat., February 19 in the courtyard.
“Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy” will celebrate the designs of Guo Pei hailed as China’s first couturier and includes more than 80 works from the past two decades highlighting her most important collections shown on Beijing and Paris runways. The exhibition will be on view through September 5, 2022 at The Palace of Legion of Honor in San Francisco. The show was organized by Jill D’Alessandro, curator in charge of costume and textile arts at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. 100 – 34th Ave. 415-750-3600 or try https://legionofhonor.famsf.org.
“Hiyao Miyazaki” is a look into the animation creations of this master filmmaker. This exhibition continues on view at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures through June 5, 2022. 6067 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.
Japan House Los Angeles has the following – “Kumihimo – The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding” by DOMYO on view through March 6, 2022. In the Hollywood & Highland Building on Level 2 & 5 on 6806 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles. 1-800-516-0565 or try japanhousela.com.
The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) has the following – Ongoing is “Common Ground – The Heart of Community” which features a WWII Japanese internment camp building. “Mine Okubo’s Masterpiece – The Art of Citizen 13660”, an exhibition that exhibits all the drawings from the seminal book on camp life by one of its inhabitants, artist Mine Okubo. Besides the drawings from the book, the exhibit also includes the rough sketches and ideas behind the book and a series of colorful figurative works she did in the late post WWII era of her career. Before the artist died, she bequeathed the museum a sizeable chunk of her artistic archive. On view through February 20, 2022. Ongoing is “The Interactive Story File of Lawson Ichiro Sakai”, an oral history project in which visitors can ask Japanese American elder Sakai any questions they want about his life and past history such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese internment camps, his service as a soldier in WWII. Opening on February 26, 2022 is “Sutra And Bible-Faith and the Japanese American World War II Incarceration”. The exhibit examines the role that religion played in saving the exiled Japanese American community from despair during the war years. 101 N. Central Ave. in Los Angeles, CA. 213-625-0414.
“Memory, Structure, Scaffold Series” is an installation that looks at the hidden contributions of labor. On view through March 20, 2022. Wede Museum at 10808 Culver Boulevard in Culver, City, California. 310-216-1600 or go to wendemuseum.org.
The USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, CA has the following – “Crossroads – Exploring the Silk Road” opens October 22, 2021. This new permanent exhibit tells the story of centuries of cultural exchange stimulated by the movement of travelers and goods along the ancient trade route. In the fall of 2021, a group show entitled “Intervention: Perspectives For a New PAM” will be shown. “Global Asia’s: Contemporary Asian And Asian American Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer & the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation” comes to the museum from March – June, 2023. 2680 N. Los Robles Ave. in Pasadena, CA. 626-787-2680 or [email protected].
“Hammer Projects: Ho Tzu Nyen” is on view through May 8, 2022. This video and sound installation reinterprets scenes of political uprising and mass demonstrations. The work of Ruth Asawa is included in this group exhibition entitled “A Decade of Acquisitions of Works on Paper” on view from February 13 – May 1, 2022. The Hammer Museum at UCLA. Go to hammer.ucla.edu. 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has the following – “Weng Family Collection of Chinese Painting: Travel & Home” on view through March 6, 2022. “Tattoos in Japanese Prints” on view through February 20, 2022. “Conservation in Action: Japanese Buddhist Sculpture in a New Light” on view through July 3, 2022. 465 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA. 617-267-9300 or go to mfa.org.
Candace Lin has an exhibit of her installations coming to the Carpenter Center for Visual Arts. February 4 – April 10, 2022. 617 Quincy St. in Cambridge, Mass. On the campus of Harvard University. 617-496-5387 or try https://carpenter.center.
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA has the following ongoing exhibits – “South Asian Art”, “Double Happiness Celebration in Chinese Art”, “Japanese Art”, “Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global” and finally “Anila Quayyum Agha: All the Flowers Are For Me”. This Pakistani American artist creates precise, stylized floral forms to make a sculptural chamber of light and shadow. Her effort creates a sense of how women can reclaim and safely open up private space to invite others. 161 Essex St. in Salem, MA 816-745-4876 or go to pem.org.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art has the following – “Kamada Shoji: The Art of Change” highlights the work of one of Japan’s most celebrated potters. This first exhibition of his work outside Japan features nearly 50 works from 10 private collections. On view through April 17, 2022. “20 Dances: Japanese Calligraphy Then And Now” through April 10, 2022. “Amano Kazumi: Prints from the Kimm-Gruffernan Collection is on view through May 29, 2022. This Japanese printmaker was a disciple of the noted folk-art inspired Shiko Munakata but changed his style to favor abstract shapes and bright colors later in his career. “Shimmering Surfaces: Chinese Lacquer Motifs And Techniques” on view through April 10, 2022. “Dayanita Singh’s Pothl Khana: Archive Room” shows the photographer challenging the limitations of her media by placing images of cloth-wrapped papers into modular teakwood structures revealing India’s vast bureaucratic archives. On view through April 10, 2022. 2400 Third Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 888-642-2787.
The Walker Art Center has the following – A sound & video installation by Twin-Cities-based artist Shen Xin through July 2, 2022. “Paul Chan: Breathers” on view from July 27, 2022 – April 22, 2023. And a Pacita Abid retrospective planned for sometime in 2023. 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN. 612-375-7600 or try [email protected].
The Art Institute of Chicago has the following – “Senju’s Waterfalls for Chicago” remains on view through March 13, 2022. These screen paintings of falling water were created specifically for Gallery 109, the space designed by architect Ando Tadao. Senju tailored the scale and lighting to best suit the distinctive space. The lighting in the gallery is designed to highlight the nature of the falling water in the painting in light and darkness. “Hito Steyerl: Is the Museum a Battlefield?” is an interactive installation by the artist on view through February 28. 2022. “The Golden Age of Kabuki Prints” is a show in two installments. The first part is on view through April 10, 2022. The second installment runs from April 16 – June 26, 2022. .111 South Michigan Ave./159 E. Monroe. Chicago, ILL. 312-443-3600.
The Cleveland Art Museum has the following on view – “Migrations of Memory – The Poetry and Power of Music” is an installation by Peng Wei in collaboration with the museum. The piece is surrounded by classical Chinese paintings and instruments from the museum’s collection and addresses the vital role of music and the arts during the Covid 19 pandemic. On view through May 8, 2022. “Popular Art from Early Modern Korea” looks at how that country has challenged the concept of high and low brow art especially in the late 1800s and early 1900s. On view through April 17, 2022. “Stories in Japanese Art” explores Japanese narrative art with diverse examples from the 1300s to the 1900s. On view through April 3,2022. “Life and Exploits of Krishna in Indian Paintings” remains on view through February 6, 2022. “Art of the Islamic World” comes from a period of great cultural and geographic expansion with works from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, on view through May 31, 2022. Opening February 11, 2022 is “Martial Art of India” on view through August 8, 2022. 11150 East Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio. 261 – 421- 7350 or go to https://www.clevelandart.org.
“Strange Yellow” is a show of paintings and ceramics by Jiha Moon on view through February 5, 2022 at Derek Ellery Gallery at 300 Broome St, in New York City. 212-206-6411 or try [email protected].
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has the following – “Japan: A History of Style” through April 24, 2022. Roger Shimomura has work in this exhibition. “Masters and Masterpieces: Chinese Art from the Irving Collection” through June 5, 2022. “Companions in Solitude- Reclusion and Communion in Chinese Art” through August 14, 2022. “Shell and Resin: Korean Mother-of-Pearl and Lacquer” through July 5, 2022. “Bodhisattvas of Wisdom: Compassion & Power” through October 30, 2022. “Celebrating the Year of the Tiger” through January 17, 2023. 1000 Fifth Ave. 212-535-7710. Go to https://www.metmuseum.org.
Asia Society Museum has the following – “Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians – The Mohammed Afkhami Collection” includes works by more than twenty artists from Iran and its diaspora. “Video Spotlight: Rahraw Omarzad”. “Video Spotlight: Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook”. All three shows on view through May 8, 2022. 725 Park Ave. in New York City.212-327-9721 or try www.asiasociety.org.
Ippodo Gallery has the following – “Layers of Time”, spatial ceramic works by Yukiya Izumita. On view January 13 – February 17, 2022. 32 E. 67th St., 3rd Floor. New York City. +1-(212) 967-4899 or [email protected]
The Rubin Museum of Art announces the 2022 exhibition “Healing Practices: Stories From Himalayan Americans” which highlights the diverse ways that Tibetan Buddhist artworks and practices have served as roadmaps to well-being. The exhibition juxtaposes objects from the museum’s collection with stories from Himalayan Americans, revealing the many ways these living traditions are transformed and adopted for today’s world. On view from March 18, -January 16, 2023. This exhibition was developed in collaboration with a Himalayan American and Asian American Community Advisory Group which includes New York tristate area and DC artists, medical professionals, spiritual leaders, activists, educators and art therapists interested in the intersection between art, healing, and activism. A new podcast premieres on June 8, 2021 entitled “Awaken” hosted by musician/composer Laurie Anderson. It features stories of transformation by Aparna Nancheria, Alok Vaid-Menon, Tara Branch and more. Get the podcast on RubinMuseum.org/awakenPOD and other major podcast platforms. Mandala Lab” is the Museum’s new interactive space for social, emotional and ethical healing. Designed by Peterson Rich Office, it invites visitors to participate in five unique experiences inspired by a Tibetan Buddhist mandala. Through October 1, 2031. “Gateway to Himalayan Art” remains on view through June 5, 2023. “Journey Through Himalayan Art” remains on view through January 8, 2024.”150 West 17th St. in New York City. 212-620-5000 or go to rubinmuseum.org.
The Noguchi Museum has the following – “Noguchi’s Useless Architecture” is a show inspired by his visits to Indian astronomical devices. On view through May 8, 2022. “Objects of Common Interest: Hard, Soft, And All Lit Up With Nowhere To Go” is a collaboration with Eleni Petaloti & Leonidas Trampoukis of Greece with New York-based studio, Objects of Common Interest on view through February 13, 2022. There are also various video programs that deal with Noguchi’s history and life that you can view. 9-01,33rd Rd. Long Island, New York. 718-204-7088.
The Japan Society has the following – “Shiko Munakata: A Way of Seeing”. This is a rarely seen collection of this pioneering woodblock printer who was part of the Japanese folk art “Mingei” movement. It includes visionary artworks including 61 prints on view for the first time since 1965. His works feature scenes from Buddhism, Japanese poetry and the spirit of the deep north where he came from. Through March 20, 2022. 333 East 47th St. New York, New York. 212-263-1258.
Wonju Seo is a contemporary artist who takes the aesthetics, forms and techniques of bojagi (Korean wrapping cloths) and reconfigures them as an abstract textile art for a global audience. See her work in “Travelogue”, an exhibit on view from March 3 – May 27, 2022. She gives an Artist Talk” via video on Wed., April 20, 2022 at 5pm (EST). At the Korea Society located at 350 Madison on the 24th floor. 212-759-7525. Go to Koreasociety.org for details.
The Chinese American Museum has opened in Washington DC. It’s the only museum in the nation’s capitol dedicated to the Chinese American story – its history, culture and voice. Currently closed because of COVID. 1218 – 16th St. NW. 202-838-3180 or chineseamericanmuseum.org.
Art Museum of the Americas presents “The Ocean Between Us: Art of Asian Diasporas in Latin America and the Caribbean 1945 – Present” now on view indefinitely. Some of the artists represented include Carlos Runcie Tanaka, Bernadette Persaud, Wilfredo Lam and Sri Irodik Romo. With featured videos by Yukata Toyota and Laura Fong Prosper. Curated by Adriana Ospina. 201 – 18th St. NW in Washington, D.C. For details, go to [email protected] or museum.oas.org.
The National Museum of Asian Art – Sackler/Freer Gallery has the following – Ongoing shows include “Engaging The Senses – Arts of the Islamic World”, “Body Image – Arts of the Indian Subcontinent”. The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room opens March 5, 2022. “Underdogs and Antiheroes: Japanese prints from the Moskowitz Collection”runs from March 19 – January 29, 2023. “Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain” goes from April 30 – September 17. 2022. “A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur” runs from November 19 – May 14. 2023. “Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan – Calligraphic Paintings from the Museum’s Collection” on view February 26 – July 24, 2022. Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Jefferson Drive at 12th St. SW. Try asia.si.edu for details.
“Weaving Splendor: Treasures of Asian Textiles” showcases rarely seen Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Persian costumes and textiles from the museum’s collection. On view through March 6, 2022. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 4525 Oak St. in Kansas City, MO. 816-751-1278 or try [email protected]
The New Orleans Museum of Art has the following – “The Pursuit of Salvation: Jain Art from India” through May 15, 2022. The Jain faith of India is older than Buddhism yet is little known outside of India. This exhibit presents sculpture, ink and watercolor drawings and manuscripts that open a window to this fascinating religion. “Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon: Masterworks From The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection at Asia Society” on view through May 31, 2022. One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. 504-658-4100.
The Tate Modern has the following on view – On view, is a show entitled “Carving & Printing” by Singapore-born, London-based artist Kim Lim who displays both his sculpture and prints and the viewer can see how they are interrelated. The Traveling exhibition entitled “Surrealism Beyond Borders” will be on view February 24 – August 29, 2022 at the Tate Modern and will feature work by Japanese artist Koga Harue. The Tate St. Ives branch museum will also give Thao Nguyen Pham her first UK museum exhibition in February of 2022 on view until May 2, 2022. It will include video, paintings, and mixed media works. Go to tate.org.uk for details on all these.
“Yayoi Kusama: A Retrospective” continues on its world tour with stops in Berlin and Tel Aviv. April 23 – August, 2022. Gropius Bau in Berlin. Niederkirchner Stra Be7,10963 Berlin. Tel Aviv Museum of Art from November 2 – April 23, 2022. The Golda Meier Cultural & Art Center, sderot sha’ul HaMelech Blvd., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. +972-3-6077020.
“100 Years of Mingei: The Folk Crafts Movement” is on view at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo through February 13, 2022. 3-1 Kitano Marukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo. +81 3-5777-8600.
The first major retrospective of artist Lee Ufan in Tokyo is set to be on view from August 10 – November 7, 2022 at the National Art Center, Tokyo. This exhibit will then travel on to Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art where it will be on view from December 2022 – February, 2023. “14 Dynasties And A Region: The History and Culture of the Muslim World – The Collection of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia” is on view through Feb. 10, 2022. The National Art Center, Tokyo is at 7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-Ku Tokyo 106-8558. For details, go to https://www.annohideakiten.jp/.
“Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA: Architecture & Environment” is on view through March 20, 2022 at Toto Gallery MA. The exhibit explores the boundaries between building and landscape. In Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 1 Chome-24-3. +81 3-3402-1010.
Ginza Six is a department store that uses different artists to design their interior from floor to ceiling. Currently on view through April 15, 2022 is the Shinto-inspired installation of a deer floating above clouds entitled “Metamorphosis Garden” by Kyoto-based artist Kohei Nawa. Download to a corresponding app and you can see the installation come to life on your cell phone. 6-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. https://ginza6.tokyo.e.abf.hp.transer.com/news/94805.
“Vivo Video: The Art and Life of Shigeko Kubota”. Kubota made work that some called video sculpture. I once saw her refreshing ode to Duchamp at Hara Art Museum which consisted of bicycle wheels with video monitors attached. This retrospective consists of drawings and documents found in her own archives along with works culled from Japanese collections. On view through February 23, 2022. Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo at 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto Ku, Tokyo, Japan. +81-50-5541-8600 (Hello Dial).
“Ohmori Akio: Sculpture Works” is on view through February 6, 2022. Includes works in wood & metal and images of living creatures. At Paramita Museum at 21-6 Obaneen Matsugaecho, Komono, Mie District, Mie Japan. +81 59-391-1088.
Japanese historian Meher McArthur has curated a touring group exhibit entitled “Washi Transformed: New Expressions In Japanese Paper” which features the work of nine contemporary Japanese artists which include Hina Aoyama, Eriko Horiki, Kyoko Ibe, Yoshio Ikezaki, Kakuko Ishii, Yuko Kimura, Yuko Nishimura, Takaaki Tanaka, and Ayomi Yoshida. The exhibit tours over 6 cities across the United States beginning in October of 2021.The lone West Coast date thus far is at Mingei International Museum in San Diego, CA. October 13, 2023 – January 7, 2024. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
“House of Slay” is a digital comic based on real-life Asian Americans in the fashion industry – Prabal Gurung, Phillip Lim, Laura Kim, Tina Leung and Ezra J. William. The group of friends originally banded together to see if they could do something to fight the anti-Asian hate sweeping the country during Covid 19. Turned into superheroes by the EEP creative team of writer Jeremy Holt, cover artist Kevin Wada, colorist Kimi Lee, artist Soo Lee, Letterer AndWorldDesign and editor Alex Lu, “House of Slay” follows these real life friends on a fantastic adventure as they use their newfound abilities to face off against a villain powered by the hatred of everyday people. It launched on November 11, 2022. Go to httpa://tapas.io/series/house-of-slay/info. Goes weekly on Thursdays at 3pm (EST). Produced by Einhorn’s Epic Productions.
The Metropolitan Museum in New York City. Opening at the museum on June 7, 2022 is “Kimono Style: The John C. Weber Collection” which traces the transformation of the kimono from the late Edo period (1615-1868) through the early 20th century.
Performing Arts
Enjoy a Chinese New Year Online Variety Show brought to you by China Institute. On February 8, 2022 at 7:30pm (EST). Celebrate with music, drums and a Year of the Tiger talk in China Institutes free virtual variety show for adults. Go to https://www.chinainstitute.org/event/chinese/chinese-new-year-online-variety-show.
The Sockz Theatre comprised of Christian Perry and Eric Tsuchiyama have a short film in the “Icing on the Cake” program of shorts as part of the Children’s Film Festival Seattle at NWFF running from February 11 – 20, 2022. As part of that festival, they do a workshop online called Creative Storytelling” on February 20 at 1pm. Go to childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org for details on the workshop and the festival.
Sata Porkalob is bringing part II of her Dragon Cycle entitled “Dragon Mama” to Café Nordo. From February 11- 27, 2022, “Dragon Lady” will begin showing in repertory with an option to catch both shows on select dates. “Dragon Mama” is presented at Café Nordo until February 13, 2022. Unlike Nordo’s immersive events, both “Dragon Lady” and “Dragon Mama” will not include a meal service during the shows. Instead, patrons have the choice to upgrade their experience for a pre-show prix fixe dinner of Filipino cuisine, created by the NY Times restaurant list for 2021, Chef Aaron Verzosa of Archpilago. Dinner will be served in Nordo’s second venue, The Knife Room. Last chance to catch Sara Porkalob and her productions as she leaves for New York to do work on Broadway in the fall. Café Nordo is at 109 South Main in Pioneer Square. Email them at [email protected] for details on tickets or you can leave a voice mail at 206-209-2002.
Pork Filled Productions present announce their new season. Some productions to look forward to in the upcoming season include – “Slow Cooker Unleased! PNW Lore” set for Feb. or March, 2022. Alive workshop presentation of 3 new works by local BIPOC artists. Co-produced with Café Nordo in Nordo’s Knife Room. “Miku And The Gods” by Julia Izumi from June 16 – July 3rd, 2022. This is a co-presentation with ArtsWest developed in Unleashed 2020. “She Devil Of The China Seas” by Roger Tang set for July 2022. A full live production at Theatre Off Jackson, developed in Unleashed 2017. “PFP’s First Devised Show – 2022 Cohort Auditions”. Follow us for auditions announcement, the cohort will devise a full production for 2023. For more details, email [email protected]
For their new season, Khambatta Dance Company invites Nagdev Dance Arts from Mumbai, India to collaborate for a week. Performances open March 4, 2022 and run two weekends through March 12. The two companies will swap and combine dancers. Choreographers Khaambatta and Naagdev will exchange and collaborate. Look for details soon.
Local queer Korean American comic Stefanie Nam of Caracol Productions aims to create community through comedy and spaces by and for under represented people. She continues to present comedy shows at Distant Worlds Coffeehouse at Roosevelt and 65th with an Open mic set for January 26, 2022 and 2nd Thursdays at Olmstead on Broadway at 314 Broadway E. through March 20, 2022. For more details on the shows, try [email protected] or go to www.etsy.com/shop/CaracolCreative.
Town Hall Seattle has also announced their 2021/22 “Global Rhythms Series”. Of particular interest to our readers are the following –Ak Dan Guang Chil serves up dynamic Korean shamanic folk-pop music on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST). 1119 8th Avenue. 206-504-2857. To get tickets and find out the complete schedule, go to townhallseattle.org.
Edmonds Center for the Arts has revealed their upcoming season. Events of interest to our readers might be the following – The Ensemble Mik Nawooj do two concerts. The first will be an education matinee on February 10, 2022 at 10am and the evening concert on the same day at 7:30pm (PST). The annual favorite, “Masters of Hawaiian Music” returns on March 26, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST). 410 Fourth Ave. N. in Edmonds,WA. 425-275-9595.
With the opening of theatres across the country, Lauren Yee – one of the nation’s most staged playwrights is having a revival of her play production from coast to coast. In the Northwest, “The Great Leap” about a Chinese American basketball player and his team in Beijing just before Tiananmen Square happens is on stage at Portland Center Stage/Artists Repertory Theatre. Directed by Zi Alikhan. Now through February 13, 2022. 503-241-1278 or try [email protected]
STG Productions operates out of several theatres in the city and they have announced their up and coming 2021-22 live-in-person schedule. On Monday, February 14, 2022, catch Yamato Drummers of Nara, Japan who will shake the rafters with their giant taiko drums at the Moore Theare. Go to STG.org for details.
“Create Your Own Series”, choose any 5 concerts and save on Seattle Symphony’s upcoming “live-in-person” 2021-22 season. Some highlights include the following –The piano duo HOCKET plays “(UNTITLED) 2022”, the second part of a two-part program dedicated to a hopeful future emerging from the pandemic. This program includes new works by composers Hitomi Oba and Jonathan Richards set for February 25, 2022. “Ragamala: A Journey into Hindustani Music” on March 18, 2022 is part of the “Octave 9 Emerging Artists” series curated by Seattle Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence Reena Esmail and featuring virtuoso Indian violinist Kala Ramnath. The annual “Celebrate Asia” series returns on March 20, 2022 with Kahchun Wong conducting. Soloists include Kala Ramnath on Indian violin and Ko-ichiro Yamamoto on trombone. Yamamoto plays in a program of work by Yoshio Hosokawa and, Tan Dun which is a Seattle Symphony co-commission and U.S. Premiere along with Seattle Symphony Composer-in-Residence Reena Esmail’s “Violin Concerto” written for and with Kala Ramnath, also a Seattle Symphony co-commission and World Premiere. Pianist Lang Lang returns on behalf of his recent recording of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” in a concert entitled “Lang Lang in Recital” on March 22,2022. The dynamic pianist Yuja Wang performs “Yuja Wang in Recital” on April 1, 2022 and Japanese virtuoso pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii comes to perform “Nobuyuki Tsujii in Recital” on April 12, 2022. Musicians of the Seattle Symphony perform “Wynton Marsalis: A Fiddler’s Tale Suite” as well as Portland-based composer Kenji Bunch’s “String Circle” and Anton Arensky’s “String Quartet No. 2” on May 3, 2022. In related news, a recent hire at Seattle Symphony is viola player Olivia Chew. She was most recently a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for six seasons. 206-215-4747 or go to seattlesymphony.org.
Asian American guitarist and composer Gregg Belisle-Chi tours the West Coast with New York saxophonist Tim Berne. They appear on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 7:30pm at The Royal Room. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts and now based in Brooklyn, Belisle-Chi will perform with Berne from their new collaboration entitled “Mars” (Intakt Records). He also has a solo recording of acoustic guitar interpretations of Berne compositions entitled “Koi” (Relative Pitch Records). Opening the evening is Vancouver BC based guitarist Gordon Grdina who will perform from his latest recording entitled “Gordon Grdina: The Music of Tim Berne: Oddly Enough” (AttaBoyGirl Records). 5000 Rainier Ave. Presented by Earshot Jazz. For tickets, please go to royalroomseattle.org.
“When We Wake” is the apt title of Arts West’s new 2021-22 season with six new stories and six Seattle premieres. Coming later in the season is “Miku, and the gods” which is another world premiere by Julia Izumi. An epic adventure that braids friendship, death, memory, time, rhythm and power in the story of a group of gods whom must journey to the underworld and back. Runs June 16 – July 3, 2022. Go to artswest.org for more details.
UW Professor and jazz trumpeter/composer Cuong Vu performs in a duo with his musical partner, percussionist/drummer Ted Poor on Monday, February 26, 2022 at The Royal Room as part of the South Hudson Music Project. 5000 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle. Go to royalroomseattle.org.
Mukai Farm & Garden on Vashon Island offer an activity program called “Japanese Crafternoon” where every month, visitors are invited to try their hands at a different Japanese craft. All ages are welcome. It happens every third Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. February 20 introduces the art of simple hand painted postcards known as Etegami. On March 20, learn about Temari, the art of making beautiful ornaments out of fabric. On April 17 learn Kumihimo or the art of braiding thread to make a decorative cord. All free but donations are welcome. 18017 – 107th Ave. SW on Vashon Island.
Henry Art Gallery and Jack Straw Cultural Center present “Sonolocations – A Sound Works Series” in conjunction with Murmurations. Participants are composers Byron Au Yong (available starting June 4, 2021), Chenoa Egawa (available starting July 2, 2021) and Bill & Naima Lowe (available starting August 8, 2021). All works available at henryart.org and jackstraw.org as well as soundcloud and other pod cast platforms.
UW School of Drama has announced their 2021-2022 public season. Among their selections, they will produce Christopher Chen’s “Passage” May 19 – 29, 2022. Adrienne Mackey will direct. 206-543 -5140.
Pacific Northwest Ballet & PNB School present the following – In their 2021-2022 season of live performances in McCaw Hall will be a world premiere by choreographer Robin Mineko Williams in a program entitled “Plot Points” set for March 18 – 27, 2022.For complete details, go to PNB.org/DigitalSubscription or call 206-441-2424 or try www.PNB.org..
The UW Meany Center For The Performing Arts has announced a welcome return to live performance starting October 13, 2021 when their 2021-2022 season begins. Season tickets are now on sale and single tickets will go on sale September 7, 2021. Some performers include the following – In the “Chamber Music Series”, Wu Han, Philip Setzer and David Finckel perform on Wed., Feb. 16, 2022 at 7:30pm. George Li, a promising young concert pianist performs on Feb. 18, 2022 at 7:30pm. Included in this program is Qigang Chen’s Peking Opera inspired “Moments”. Concert pianist Joyce Yang takes the stage on May 3, 2022 at 7:30pm. Online ordering of tickets at MeanyCenter.org or call 206-543-4880.
Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio now located in the CID continues their classes in various aspects of the theatre both virtual and in-person. For a list of current classes, go to freeholdtheatre.org for details or call 206-595-1927.
Go to Nonsequiter’s website to listen to free links by local musicians performing original music at waywardmusic.org. Carol J. Levin on electric harp engages in a series of “Duo Improvisations” with Susie Kozawa who plays various sound objects. Jackie An performs music for violin and electronics. Sovan is an ambient music duo featuring songwriter Tomo Nakayama and film composer Jeramy Koepping. Classically trained pianist and designer Tiffany Lin plays a piano program of originals in this series. Local sound artist Susie Kozawa has a piece she did invoking the space at the Chapel. Percussionist/composer Paul Kikuchi explores new music. Choreographer/dancer/singer Haruko Crow Nishimura performs a new vocal piece. Other performers include Leanna Keith, Nordra, Ahmed Yousefbeigi, Mother Tongue with Angelina Baldoz, trumpeter Cuong Vu and drummer Ted Poor, the wife/husband classical duo of Melia Watras and Michael Jinsoo Lim, Joshua Limanjaya Lim, Rahikka & James Lee, Kaoru Suzuki and Chris Icasiano with more to follow. The Chapel Performance Space at Good Shepherd Center has re-opened and is now booking again various kinds of adventurous/experimental music. Go to waywardmusic.org for details.
City Opera Vancouver has the world premiere of a new opera entitled “Chinatown” with the libretto by Madeleine Thien and music by Alice Ping Yee and the Hoisan translation by Paul Yee. It’s a story of family and neighborhood, racism and resistance and history and tomorrow. It will run from September 13 – 17, 2022. For a sneak peek, go to cityoperavancouver.com.
The Oakland-based hip-hop orchestra Ensemble Mik Nawooj will celebrate the release of their new album ,”Death Becomes Life” with a Northwest tour prior to their Edinburgh Fringe debut in Scotland. Led by South Korean composer/artistic director Joo Wan Kim, the group includes classical musicians, a hip hop MC and a turf dancer in an effort to create a new kind of radically inclusive concert music. Mik Nawooj appear in concert on February 3, 2022 at Washington Center for the Arts in Olympia, February 5, 2022 at Tacoma Arts Live in Tacoma, February 8, 2022 at Hult Center for the Arts in Eugene, Oregon and February 10, 2022 at Edmonds Center for the Arts in Edmonds. For more information on this tour, go to miknawooj.com.
“Ngu Ngay Ngay Ngay Tan The” (Sleeping Through the Apocalypse) is a 2021 album by Ran Cap Duoi, an electronic music group from Vietnam.
Film & Media
G-Kids presents “Belle” a new animated feature film by Mamoru Hosoda. The film tells the story of a shy high school student living in a rural village. But when she enters a virtual world, she escapes into her online persona, “Belle” who is a gorgeous, beloved singer. But when her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes, Belle tries to uncover the identity of this monster and discover her own true self along the way. Screening locally at Northwest Regal Cinemas and the Crest.
The Beacon screens “Goodby Dragon Inn” February 5 – 8, 2022. This is Tsai Ming-liang’s look at the fading glory of cinema as a small movie theatre shuts down while screening a martial arts classic in the rain. 206-420-seat or email [email protected]
Northwest Film Forum screens the following – A beautifully restored digital transfer of the classic film of swordplay and martial arts, King Hu’s “Dragon Inn” screens on Wed., February 2 at 7pm (PDT) in-person only. A young man briefly meets various characters over the course of a few days never having enough time to get into a proper conversation. This is the premise of Hong Sangsoo’s “Introduction” which he not only directed but did the cinematography for as well. Screens in-person only. February 2 – 6, 2022. “Luana – A Yak in The Classroom” by Pawo Choyning Dorji follows a disillusioned young school teacher who walks out into the countryside of Bhutan to a remote school with no electricity and no blackboard. Screens February 11 – 18 at 7:30pm (PST). In-person only. “A Night of Knowing Nothing” is the debut film of Payal Kapadia. It is screened in-person only February 25 – 27, 2022 . It weaves archival footage with student protest videos to tell the story of a student writing to her distant lover while he is away. An essential document of contemporary India and of youth fighting the injustice of our time. Tsai Ming-liang’s valentine to the closure of the classic movie theatre entitled “Goodbye Dragon, Inn” screens March 2 – 3, 2022. It looks at a movie theatre on a rainy last night and its audience as it screens a martial arts classic. The Children’s Film Festival Seattle is the largest festival on the West Coast dedicated to children’s films from over 50 countries. Screening February 11 – 20, 2022. Go to bit.ly/cffs2022 or childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org for details. 1515 12th Ave. on Capitol Hill. 206-329-2029 or go to www.nwfilmforum.org.
SIFF Uptown presents the following. Jonas Poher Rasmussen directs an animated feature film entitled “Flee” in which he documents the harrowing journey of an Afghan friend, forced to flee his country and cross borders to seek safe haven. An award-winner from Sundance. Screens February 2 – 8, 2022. Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” screens February 2 – 10 and tells the tale of an actor/director whose wife dies. He accepts an invitation to direct a Chekov play in another city and must take on a woman chauffeur to drive him around the town. Both characters are wounded souls who must confront their own pain to heal. 511 Queen Anne Ave. N. 206-464-5830.
“Movies @ Mukai” is a film series screening February – April 2022 at Mukai Farm on Vashon Island. On February 10, catch “Inuyashiki” in which a terminally ill salaryman and a high schooler are reborn as combat cyborgs after an alien encounter. “Shoplifters” screens on March 10, 2022 at 7pm. It follows a dysfunctional band of outsiders who unite as family to survive through petty theft. When they adopt a young girl and their son is arrested, secrets are exposed that upend their tenuous existence. “The Scythian Lamb” screens on April 14 at 7pm. Suffering from population decline, a small seaside town decides to welcome six strangers into their community. But when truths come out about the strangers and their mysterious past and a body is found in the harbor, suspicions arise. Free but donations welcome. 18017 107th Ave. SW on Vashon Island.
As part of their Cinema East Series, the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham screens one day only, Chang-dong Lee’s “Secret Sunshine”. This Korean film tells the story of a widow who returns to her late husband’s hometown to settle down only to be met with more tragedy. On Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 6pm. To purchase advance tickets, go to pickfordfilmcenter.org. 1318 Bay St. in Bellingham. 360-738-0735.
The 2022 Seattle Asian American Film Festival takes place March 3 – 6, 2022. Featured film will be “Beloved”, the story of a couple who fall in love but must change things when their picture-perfect marriage goes stale. Includes films by up and coming filmmakers from across the country with an emphasis on Northwest filmmakers. For details, try https://seattleaaff.org.
Oliver Hermann’s “Living” is a remake of the Akira Kurosawa classic “Ikiru”, the story of a minor bureaucrat who changes his life when he receives a death sentence from a doctor. Stars Bill Nighy as the main character. The film was a hit at Sundance and has been picked up by Sony Pictures for distribution. Screenplay written by noted author Kazuo Ishiguro.
“The Exiles” is a documentary film about three exiled dissidents from the Tiananmen Square massacre. It won the Grand Jury Prize for “Best U.S. Documentary Film” at Sundance. Directed by Ben Klein and Violet Columbus who follow documentary filmmaker Christine Choy as she tracks down the exiled dissidents to bring closure to an abandoned film project she started in 1989 but never finished.
“Poupelle of Chimney Town” is a new animated feature film directed by Yusuke Hirota in theatres now. Adapted by Akihiro Nishino from his picture book of the same name, the story is about a lonely boy who works as a chimney sweep and his first friend, a creature made of trash.
“Nine Days” is an American supernatural drama film written and directed by Japanese Brazilian director Edson Oda. It stars Wilson Duke as an arbiter who interviews five unborn souls to determine which one can be given life on earth. The cast includes Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, Bill Skarsgard, David Rysdahl and Arianne Ortiz. Released by Sony Pictures on DVD, Blue-ray and digital download platforms such as Prime Video.
“Flee” is the award-winning full-length animated feature that was a Sundance award-winner. It tells the story of an Afghan man who fled the country as a child, bouncing from place to place in the world, looking for refuge. Opens December 3, 2021 in theatres.
“Memoria” is a 2021 film by Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. It stars Tilda Swinton as a British ex-pat in Columbia who becomes ill with a respiratory complaint. One night she wakes up from her sleep from a strange banging sound that nobody else seems to be able to hear. It is distributed in the US by NEON which began a theatre release plan in which the film will screen at one theatre at a time for successive weeks.
“Minnal Murali” is a Malayali super hero film based in the South Indian state of Kerala as directed by Basil Joseph. When lightning strikes two men at the same time, people wonder which of the two men is the superhero of the film’s title. As stakes rise, what appears on the surface as a superhero action film turns into a charming provincial comedy. Stars Tovine Thomas and Guru Somasundaram as the rivals. Streaming on Netflix.
MUBI presents the following – Lee Myung-se’s 2000 cops and gangster’s film “No Where to Hide” lets you follow a cop in his grinding pursuit of a mobster as the director deftly moves you through a barrage of genres and styles that keep the viewer from getting too comfortable or bored.“Parched 2015 film by Leena Yadan that looks at the rich and complex fates of rural women in India and their urge to survive against all odds. Based on real-life stories. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 2020 release “Wife of a Spy” is a riveting tale of cloaked identities and marital distrust during the Japanese colonial era in China during WWII. “The Works And Days (of Tayoko Shiojiri in the Shiotani Basin) by C.W. Winter and Anders Edstrom. This 2020 documentary film takes a deep look into the rural life of a Japanese women and the rituals of the everyday in the countryside. MUBI presents a double-bill of films by Tsai Ming-liang and Lee Kang-Sheng. “Days” is a 2020 film about kinship, healing and curative connections that tingles with anticipation. “Afternoon” from 2015 explores the relationship between filmmaker and muse as they engage in an engaging conversation. Julien Faraut’s 2021 documentary film “The Witches of the Orient” is the story of a group of Japanese female factory workers who became Olympic champions. “Winter’s Night” is Jang Woo-jin’s 2018 film which is a nocturnal rumination on love and midlife crisis that alternates between contemplation and magical realism. In Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s 2018 film “Blue”, an insomniac lies in bed as theatrical backdrops unveil themselves and her sheet catches aflame. Filed during 12 nights in the heart of a Thai forest. Go to [email protected] to find out about this film streaming service where you can rent these films.
Andrew Phung, who starred as Arnold, friend to the estranged son (Simon Liu) on the hit TV series, “Kim’s Convenience” gets his own series for CBC entitled “Run the Burbs” which premieres on January 5, 2022. Phung plays a stay-at-home dad with a breadwinner wife played by South Asian actress Rakhee Morzaria. The family is rounded out with Roman Pesino playing a precocious preteen son and Zoriah Wong who portrays a queer teenage daughter. “run the Burbs” has been signed for a 12-episode season run.
“The End Game” is a new drama series directed by Justin Lin set to aire in February, 2022 on MSNBC.
“A Shot Through The Wall” by Aimee Long is a new film about a Chinese American police officier who accidentally shoots an innocent Black man. Facing trial, he wades through his gult as he navigates the complexity of media, ustice, racial politics and his own mortality. Stars Kenny Leu and Tzi Ma. Presented by Vertical Distribution.
The Written & Spoken Arts
Townhall Seattle presents in-person and in a live stream a talk by author Vidya Krishnan with Amber Payne on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:20 (PST). She will speak about “The Past, Present, and Future of Tuberculosis” based on her book entitled “Phantom Plague: How Tuberculois Shaped History” (Public Affairs). Co-sponsored by Third Place Books. In the Forum. From their “In The Moment Podcast” on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 1pm (PST), Stanley Shikuma talks with Jasmine Pulido on the topic of “Stop Repeating History: Tsuru for Solidarity”. TFS is a nonviolent, direct action project of Japanese American social justice advocates working to end detention sites and support front-line immigrant and refugee communities that are being targeted by racist, inhumane immigration policies. On Wed., March 9, 2022 at 7:30pm in person and live streamed, hear Laura Shin, author of “The Cryptonians” (Public Affairs) as she reveals a more human side to crypto, introducing readers to the personal quests of the idealists, technologists and opportunists fighting to bring cryptocurrency to the masses.
Hugo House, a Seattle-based literary center that offers readings and writing classes offers a full slate of Fall & Winter writing classes for all levels. Some classes are in person or on a learning platform or via ZOOM. Go to hugohouse.org for complete details. Some examples include the following – “Poetry 1 (ASYNCHRONOUS) taught by Michelle Penaloza. 6 sessions. 02/10/2022. “What To Do With Your Memoir”. 1 session taught by Anne Liu Kellor. 02/12/2022. 10am PST. “You Yourself Are The Beloved: Writing with South Asian Sufis” taught by Shankar Narayan. 2 sessions. Starts 2/26/2022. 10 am PST. “Hermit Crab Forms For Poets & Prose Writers”. 1 session taught by Dinuba Ahmed. Teaches you how to use borrowed structures to reveal your own emotional truths. 03/08/22. 1:10pm PST. “Haunted: Incorporating Found Text in Poetry Using Erasure & Collage” taught by. One session 03/10/22. 1:10pm PST. Taught by Tiana Nobile. “Leaps And Swerves: Creative Surprise in Poetry”. 1 session taught by Dilruba Ahmed. 03/29/2022. 10am PST.
Elliott Bay Book Company has a full slate of events in their virtual reading series. Here are a few. Poet, editor and prose writer and esteemed University of Oregon Professor Garrett Kaoru Hongo talks to friend and fellow writer/editor/filmmaker Frank Abe about his new book entitled “The Perfect Sound: A Memoir in Stereo (Pantheon). This is a poet’s memory of music that has influenced him, the search for the best audio equipment, and the poetic journeys he takes through life to get to where he now stands. Abe is the co-author of a new graphic novel on Japanese American resistance to the internment entitled “We Hereby Refuse: (Chin Music Press/Wing Luke). On Monday, February 21 at 6pm (PST). For making reservations to the virtual events, go to elliottbaybook.com and click on the “events” page or call 206-624-6600 or toll-free at 1-800-962-5311. All events are virtual for the time being. The bookstore remains open.
On Tuesday, February 9, 2022 at 9am, catch Masuma Ahuja when she talks about her new anthology entitled Girlhood: Teens Around the World in Their Own Voices” (Workman). On UBS Social Media. For details, go to www2.bookstore.washington.edu.
The King County Library System presents a “Meet the Author” talk with Diana Ma. This online event takes place on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 6:30pm. Ma will discuss the importance of Asian American representation in children’s books drawing upon her own experience as an author of Young Adult/Middle Grade books. Registration is required. Contact Pam at [email protected]. Tacoma sumi artist Fumiko Kimura joins David Berger as he discusses his book on Kimura’s life and art entitled “Persimmon and Frog: The Story of Sumi Artist Fumiko Kimura” (Chin Music Press). On Wed., March 9, 2022 at 7pm. This is an online event. 425-885-1861 or email [email protected]
Mukai Farm & Garden presents a special commemoration on February 19, 2022 which will mark the 80th anniversary of Executuve Order 9066 which sent Japanese Americans along the West Coast to internment camps during WWII. Special guests will be Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura, authors of a graphic novel on the subject entitled “We Hereby Refuse – Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration” on February 19 at 4pm on Zoom. To register go to tinyurl.com/y6ph62a9. For more information, try mukaifarmandgarden.com.
Seattle Arts & Lectures has announced their schedule for their 2021/22 season. All single tickets and subscriptions are on sale now. Go to [email protected] or call 206-621-2230. Our readers may be interested in the following – Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic and author of “I Contain Multitudes” will speak on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST). At Town Hall Seattle. Charles Yu, author of the award-winning novel “Interior Chinatown” talks on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST) at Benaroya Hall – S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. Writer Mira Jacob appears in person and online on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST) at Town Hall Seattle. Jacob is the author of the graphic memoir, “Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations”. Poet and noted translator of Korean feminist poets, Don Mee Choi speaks with Stefania Heim on Thursday, April 17, 2022 at 7:30pm (PST). At Hugo House’s Lapis Theatre. Choi is the author of “Hardly War” and “DMZ Colony” both on WAVE Books.
Humanities Washington has announced their 2021 – 2023 Speakers Bureau Roster with presentations ranging from the personal to the global. Public presentations are free and will start July 1, 2021. Some speakers include the following – Under “Arts & Literature”, Deepti Agrawal will speak on “The Ancient Art Of Madhubani Painting.” Under “History”, Julie Pham speaks on “Hidden Histories: The South Vietnamese Side of the Vietnam War.” Under “Life & Culture”, Lori Tsugawa Whaley talks about “The Samurai Code: How Bushido Changes Lives”. Under “Race & Identity”, Michelie Liu talks about “Laughing Matters: Asian Americans, Comedy And Inclusion” and Rals Bhulyan speaks about being shot by a White supremacist in “One Second of Hate: A Story of For