rss feedArtist Roger Shimomura’s new Seattle show to examine ethnic identity and culture
If you’re in Seattle tonight, drop by The Wing Luke Asian Museum for the opening reception for artist Roger Shimomura and his new show, “Yellow Terror.”
The free public reception starts at 7 p.m. at the museum, located at 719 S. King St.
If you can’t make the reception, the show will open Friday and run through April 18.
Shimomura, a third-generation Japanese American, deals with stereotypes and how people perceive race. One central theme of the show is ”Always a Foreigner.”
Here’s how the museum describes his work and this show:
His paintings tackle socio-political issues of Asian America and invite audiences to question their own and society’s perceptions about race and culture. This special exhibit features Shimomura’s collection ephemera as well as art works created by him that were inspired by the collection, along with recent discriminatory experiences faced by him and others.
My mom, Flo Oy Wong, is an artist and a friend. This is how she summarizes his art:
His work brings the humane face to the Japanese American internment experience and other issues. He uses a powerful blend of East-West symbols, including Pop Art icons, making his art accessible and universal.
Angry asian man also gives a quick narrative to Shimomura’s art and outlook.
Shimomura, who is retired, used to teach at The University of Kansas and has lectured throughout the country. Vanderbilt University has posted a recording of one of his lectures here.
The diaries kept for over half a century by his late immigrant grandmother also have inspired his work.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle.
UPDATE: His opening reception attracted a good number of people from the Seattle area.
Shimomura uses bold colors, cartoon images and icons from the past to explain issues of race, culture and discrimination.
In one panel, he painted his portrait – but a group of cartoon characters popular in the United States has turned their backs on him.
One issue – how an Asian American man can feel isolated – instantly comes to mind.
In another painting, there’s an image of his wife, who has short, blonde hair.
Next to that painting is a buck-toothed, caricature of how some in the United States view men of Asian ancestry.
But as an explanatory note near the painting says, the juxtaposition points out the issue of the “other” in society.
His collection of comic books, movie posters and other items captures how inaccurate perceptions and fear can distort what becomes accepted as popular culture.
I’m glad I attended his show.
It reminds me that artists, writers, filmmakers, poets and even court jesters are necessary in society because they raise issues that can be overlooked in the rush of daily life.
And as we know, it can be easy to use words to explain an issue, advocate a platform or defend an idea.
But when you face human-created art – and study colors, images and words for context and meaning – messages often sit directly before you.
No one else is explaining anything to you.
It’s just up to you to think about what the artist is saying and why.
Glad you had time to go to Roger’s opening last night and that you have updated your post. His art is amazingly beautiful but also honestly substantive while painful at times.