“YELLOW TERROR: The Collections and Paintings of Roger Shimomura.” On display at the Wing Luke Asian Museum September 11 - April 18, 2010. Exhibit Opening: Sept. 10. Image: “Different Citizens” by Roger Shimomura.
Wing Luke Asian Museum presents “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” with two opening reception events on Sept. 10. First up is the members exclusive preview with the artists and co-curator Dr. Stacey Urodomo-Barre from 6 to 7p.m. RSVP by calling (206) 623-5124×126 or e-mail [email protected] Not a member? You can join by calling (206) 623-5124. The general opening reception is from 7 – 8 p.m. and is open free to the public with no RSVP required. This show not only shows the art of Seattle-native and nationally known artist Roger Shimomura and how he deals with identity and racial stereotypes created by the media in his own work, but contains key elements from his own collection of racial stereotype artifacts, kitsch and ephemera. It’s like having a chemist with his laboratory next door open for viewing. Gives the viewer that rare opportunity to peer closely into an artist’s closet to see how reference material feeds into creation. Through April 18, 2010. 719 S. King. (206) 623-5124 or visit: www.wingluke.org.
Join SCIDPDA in their last ID Artwalk for the summer. Sept. 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the ID/Chinatown neighborhood. Performances by Wushu master Tain Yuan Li and Sony Playstation’s motion-capture model for “SOUL CALIBER.” Watch her demonstrate live with her NW Wushu students. Also performing in the area will be Mia Yoshihara Bradshaw, Joseph Songco, Kelli Frances Corrado and others. With art on view by Romson, Carlos Ruiz, Audra Brumberg & others. Many restaurants also feature artwalk $5 specials. For details, go to [email protected].
SIS Productions in Residence at Richard Hugo House presents the premiere of ‘Sex in Seattle 17: Coming Clean” set for Sept. 18 – Oct. 17. Recently selected as “Best of Asian American Plays” category by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. This is the premiere of a new chapter in the lives of Seattle’s contemporary Asian American women and their lives and loves. Created by Kathy Hsieh and Shawn West & Directed by West. For reservations call (206) 323-9443 or [email protected]. For tickets, call 1-800-838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
The work of bead artist Tina Koyama (see related article this issue) is included in a group show entitled “2009 POCHO/Pathways Recipients” along with the work of Otong “Iron” Durahim, Sarah Hood, Carla Grahn and Akua Kariamu. With exhibition, reception and lecture. Opening on 1st Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Tashiro Kaplan Studios. Art work in the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios at 306 S. Main. A lecture takes place Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pratt Studios at 1902 South Main St.Through Sept. 25. Visit www.pratt.org.
Visual Arts
“Counter-Photography, Japan’s Artists Today” is an internationally touring exhibition that features 11 contemporary Japanese photographers including Hiroshi Sugimoto, Eikoh Hosoe, Miho Akioka, Miyuki Ichikawa, Akiko Sugiyama, Chie Yasuda, Kazuo Katase, Hiroko Inoue, Tomoko Yoneda, Tomoaki Ishihara and Michihiro Shimabuku. Opening reception from 6 – 8 p.m. on Sept. 11. Don’t miss this survey of Japan’s contemporary photography scene. Photographic Center Northwest. 900 Twelfth Ave. (206) 720-7222 or visit www.pcnw.org.
KOBO at Higo presents calligraphy by Shodo Harada Roshi which opens on Sept. 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. and continues on view through Sept. 18. Harada Roshi is a Zen master in the Rinsai tradition who served as the Abbot of Sogenji in Okayama, Japan for the past 25 years. He is also the Abbot of Tahoma-Sogenji Monastery on Whidbey Island. www.onedropzendo.org. Jamie Kirkpatrick has a show entitled “A Time For Tea” based on his love of morning tea and the joy of using other artists tea utensils. This new work is soda and wood-fired vessels. Opening reception with the artist on Sept. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. On view through Oct. 3. New work by Oregon ceramic artist Ken Pincus and Ikebana by Sogetsu School flower arrangment artist Megumi Schacher. On view till Sept. 5. Also Megumi teaches a fall workshop on tea ceremony on Sept. 27 from 1 – 3 p.m. but advance registration is required. Sculptural lighting by Hiih Lighting is set for Sat., Oct. 17. 604 S. Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
ArtXchange Gallery presents “Love Empire: James Lawrence Ardena,” an exhibit of mixed-media, resin art and installation. This show explores the nature of the state of Filipino America and the lasting effects of colonization and the emotional constraints in which we confine ourselves. Opening reception for the artist on Sept. 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. On view throughout the month. 512 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org. Also gallery artist Deborah Kapoor has her work on view at Simply Desserts in Fremont. 3421 Fremont Ave. N. Ongoing.
Drawings by Toshi Asai are on view at Joe Bar located at 810 E. Roy St. throughout the month. (206) 324-0407.
Patricia Rovzar Gallery presents a new show of oil paintings by Z. Z. Wei entitled “Light And Shadow” through Sept. 30. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273 or www.rovzargallery.com.
“Target Practice:Painting Under Attack 1949 – 78” is an international survey of how a generation of artists assaulted the genre of painting following WW II. Curator Michael Darling must be applauded for creating a show so international in scope that it includes many artists not as well known but just as important for their contributions to this world-wide phenomenon. Quite simply one of the most refreshing exhibitions on modern art shown at the museum. With contributions by Yoko Ono, Yayoi Kusama, Shigeko Kubota, Nam June Pail, Ushio Shinohara and members of the Gutai Group. Hurry! Must end Sept. 7. Seattle Art Museum.1300 First Ave. (206) 625-3900.
“Spite House” is a group show curated by Yoko Ott and Jessica Powers that looks at the creative ways artists come to grips with the human element of spitefulness when push comes to shove. On view through Sept. 12. Lawrimore Project at 831 Airport Way S. (206) 501-1231.
“Business As Usual/New Video from China” presents the work of Cao Fei and Yang Fudong. They are two of the most well known Chinese video artists working internationally today. Through their eyes, one witnesses the rapid social and economic transformation of China’s cities. On view through Oct. 4. North Galleries. Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus.15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org.
“Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: Indigenous Voices Reply” juxtaposes historic objects and photographs from the 1909 Exposition with contemporary artwork by Native artists exploring how the representation of indigenous people and cultures has changed over 100 years. It should be noted that indigenous people from the Philippines were in the original 1909 show. On view through Nov. 29. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington. 17th Ave. NE and NE 45th. (206) 543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org.
Respected jewelry artist Ron Ho has work in an upcoming group show entitled “Metal-urge” which will be on view through September 6. The show is part of Tacoma’s city-wide celebration of the metal arts. Traver Gallery-Tacoma located at 1821 East Dock St. #100. (253)383-3685 or www.travergallery.com.
The work of Etsuko Ichikawa is included in a group show entitled “Elusive Element” which includes NW artists who work with fire, air, earth and water. Through Oct. 4 at the Museum of Northwest Art. 121South First St. in La Connor, WA (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org. She has work in a group show entitled “West Coast Drawings” at Koplin Del Rio Gallery in Culver City, Calif. A cultural exchange of sorts between Northern and Southern West Coast. A group of Southern California artists will be showing at Davidson Galleries locally through Aug. 29. www.koplindelrio.com.
Seattle Asian Art Museum presents two new shows. On view through Oct. 17 is “A Black-and-White World: The Art and Lessons of Chinese Rubbings” which looks at the pictorial programs of the Wu Family Shrines and the carved images of the sixteen Lohans. Two vastly different world-views of Confucian order and Buddhist law are explored. On view through Feb. 21, 2010 “Transforming Traditions: Japanese & Korean Art Since 1800” and “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art.” 1400 East Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Wing Luke Asian Museum has another new exhibit. “Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America” will be on view through Feb. 14 of 2010 in the Boeing Company Community Portrait Gallery. Join the conversations about life, love and community. Continuing shows include the following. “Ho’omau ka Huoka’I” looks at the history and culture of Hawaiians in the Pacific Northwest. On view through Aug. 16. “New Years All Year Around – Cambodian, Korean and Chinese New Year Ceremonies” as well as the “Cambodian Cultural Museum and Killing Fields Memorial” and much more. “Deporting Cambodians: How Immigration Policy Shapes Our Communities” is on view through Oct. 18, 2009. Just opened is Parallel Lines: 8 Contemporary Seattle Artists”, a group show curated by Tracey Fugami through Nov. 29. The show draws comparisons between artists Tram Bui, Mark Takamichi Miller, Jason Huff, Akio Takamori, Patti Warashina, Saya Moriyasu, Thuy-Van Vu and Joseph Park . Teensway members under the supervision of guest artist Saya Moriyasu have a new sculpture exhibit entitled “Welcome to Our World” in the Frank Fujii Youth Space on view through Oct. 2, 2009. 719 S. King. (206)623-5124 or www.wingluke.org. Just opened is “Asian Voices,” a YouthCAN exhibit. The Family Day at the Wing event takes place on August 15 and features a workshop on native Hawai’ian thatching used for homes and structures with Na Lei O Manu’akepa. 1 – 3 p.m. “Animation & Comics” opens Aug. 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. in KidPLACE. A related activity is “Exhibits Exposed: Animation & Comis” in which you’ll see how images can have a life of their own in the comic world. August 22 at 2 p.m. Get ready for “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” opening Sept. 10 with the show ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall. Mark your calendars! Shimomura has addressed issues of his ethnic identity as a sansei and this special exhibit displays his extensive collection of ephemera and stereotypical images and how he as an artist responds to that stimuli through his own work. The museum sponsors an “Asian American Visual Artists Reception” on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in their Community Hall. A chance to network with Asian American artists, curators and arts professionals in a catered event by Salina Restaurant. This is a ticketed event. For updates, email [email protected]. Save the date! Wing Luke Asian Museum. 719 S. King St.(206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org.
“Sumi-e Harmony: East and West” is the title of the Puget Sound Sumi Artists’ sumi and calligraphy exhibition which will be held at Tacoma Public Library’s Hanford Gallery from Sept. 8 – Oct. 5. Opening ceremony is on Sept. 12 from 2 – 4 p.m. (253) 591-5666.
Seattle artist Joseph Park has a series of pieces entitled “APEX: Joseph Park” on view through Nov. 15. These recent paintings include a visual structure built upon reflections from a range of photographic sources. Portland Art Museum at 1219 SW Park Ave. (503) 226-2811.
Asia Society Museum in New York City presents the first U.S. museum survey of contemporary art from Pakistan entitled “Hanging Fire-Contemporary Art from Pakistan” Sept. 10 – Jan. 3, 2010. 55 works by 15 artists in various media. Curated by Salima Hashmi. For details, go to [email protected].
Performing Arts
Korean Cultural Celebration is held on Sept 12 and Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival is held on Sept. 13 both at Seattle Center. Expect cultural activities, kids events, dance, music, demonstrations and food booths. www.seattlecenter.com or call (206) 684-7200.
Elliott Bay’s Tenth Annual Staged Play Reading series continues with a Seattle premiere reading presentation of Richard Greenberg’s recent Broadway play, “The House in Town” staged by David Hsieh’s React Theatre. A new year’s party in 1929 precedes the stock market crash and the strain on a couple’s marriage. Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 at the door and reservations are encouraged. For details, go to www.reacttheatre.org. Elliott Bay Book Company is at 101 South Main in Seattle. (206) 624-6600.
The Pork Filled Players blast back to the past with their latest show, “Pork in the Future” running from Sept. 18 – Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. at Seattle’s Odd Duck Studio located at 1214 – 10th Ave. Spinning off from the success of their late-nite “Spam*O*Rama comedy cabaret, the troupe ventures back to the time of the 80’s bringing back everything from GI Joe to classic John Hughes films and the old days of Michael Jackson mania. Joining the group is an array of guest stars. Seattle sketch duo Charles opens the first weekend, Seattle’s Burlesque All Stars come on board Sept. 25 & 26 and Vancouver B.C.’s premier sketch comedy group, Assaulted Fish close Oct. 2 & 3. Pork Filled Players are led by Roger Tang and lead writer Maggie Lee with members Brian Beckley, Marr Dela Cruz, Agastya Kohli, Toni Rose and Yvette Zaepfel. (206) 365-0282 or [email protected].
Teatro Zinzanni presents the musical, “Bottega Zinzanni – All Dressed up With Someplace To Go” featuring a runway event with 13 original designs by Luly Yang Couture. 3rd Ave. N. & Mercer St. (206) 802-0015 or visit www.zinzanni.org.
2009 Jazz Night will benefit the Denise Louie Education Center. Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. 1700 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 621-7880×12 or www.deniselouie.org.
Aki Matsuri, a Japanese Fall Festival set for Sept. 12 from 10 – 6 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 11 – 5 p.m. With a varied program of Japanese arts and culture including arts & crafts, performing arts, tea ceremony, food booths, “Hello Kitty!” display, puppet shows and more. At Bellevue College main campus. (425) 861-7865.
The 2009 Kobe Jazz Vocalist Whoopin makes her Seattle debut at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. during the “10th Sister City Jazz Day” concert. 2033 – 6th Ave. (206) 441-9729 or visit www.jazzalleycom.
Inter*Im presents their 40th Anniversary Gala 2009 entitled “Journey of a Thousand Miles” at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront located at 2100 Alaskan Way in Seattle. Starts at 5:30 p.m. (206) 624-1802×15 or www.interimieda.org.
September is time for the annual visit from Tokyo-based Bunka Women’s University students in fashion design. It gives a chance for Japanese student designers, stylists and models to strut their stuff in the States and gives us lucky Seattle residents a chance to see what may be going up on the runways and catwalks of Tokyo. Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Broadway Performance Hall on the campus of Seattle Central Community College. Free but call now to reserve a ticket. (425) 483-5974 or e-mail [email protected].
Cumbancha will release “Tatra (Nomadic Souls)”, the first international album from Kailish Kher, one of India’s most beloved voices on Sept. 15. Kher is one of Bollywood’s most recognizable playback singers and a judge on the popular Indian Idol TV show. As part of his North American Tour, he will appear in Seattle on Sept. 27 at the Crocodile. Log on to www.thecrocodile.com or go to http://www.cumbancha.com/ for complete details.
“Este Mundo” (Cumbancha) is the new musical release by Bay Area-based group
Rupa & the April Fishes set for Oct. 27. Lead singer Rupa Marya grew up in California, India and France before splitting her time between careers in medicine and music. For details, go to http://www.cumbancha.com/rupa.
Film/Media
Seattle Parks and Recreation has a free outdoor screening of “Shall We Dance?” on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at occidental Ave. S. and S. Main in Occidental Square. (206) 684-7710.
“Always: Sunset on Third Street” is a new Japanese film which will be screened in support of Washington State – Japan Sister City relationships at the Carlson Theatre in Bellevue on the campus of Bellevue College at 3000 Landerholm Circle NE. Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Free but you must get your tickets at the Consualte General of Japan booth at Akimatsuri 2009 from 4 – 6 p.m. on Sept. 12. E-mail [email protected] for details.
What happens when pop culture and democracy comes to Afghanistan in the guise of a nationally televised talent contest voted on by cell phone? Find out in Havana Marking’s “Afgan Star” which played SIFF and returns for a regular run August 21 for a week. Hirokazu Kore-eda ((“Nobody Knows”, “Afterlife”) explores the shifting dynamics of the contemporary family in “Still Walking,” his latest film that played SIFF and returns for a regular run later this fall on Oct. 8 for a week. Won “Best Director” award at the Asian Film Awards. All screenings at the Varsity. 4329 University Way NE (206) 781-5755.
Written Arts
Seattle-based poet Brandon Shimoda reads as part of the Subtext Reading Series on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Center. For details, go to [email protected].
Noted Asian American Studies scholar Roger Daniels will speak on “Incarceration and Rememberance: A Historian’s View” on Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. Wing Luke Asian Museum. Free. Call (206) 623-5124 or visit www.densho.org.
Edward Espe Brown reads from “The Complete Tassajara Cookbook: Recipes, Techniques, and Frflections from the Famed Zen Kitchen” (Shambhala) on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. All readings at Elliott Bay Book Company at 101 S. Main. (206) 624-6600 or visit www.elliottbaybook.com/events.
A writing workshop for perspective Oregon-based Asian American writers interested in submitting to an upcoming Oregon anthology of Asian American writers will be held with Patti Duncan on Sept. 13 in Portland. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 31, 2009. To send submissions or ask questions about workshops, e-mail [email protected].
UCLA Asian American Studies Center has published a new textbook entitled “Untold Civil Rights Stories” which discusses the social struggles Asian Americans have faced before and after 9/11. Co-edited by Russell C. Leong and Stewart Kwoh. For details, call (310) 825-2968 or log on to www.aasc.ucla.edu/aascpress.
Bay Area poet Mari L’Esperance is interviewed and a poem from her latest book, “The Darkened Temple (2008-University of Nebraska Press) is featured in the “Poets to Know” section of the latest Writing The Life Poetic e-newsletter edited and published by Sage Cohen. For details, log on to http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/.
Arts News/Opportunities
Artist Trust offers the 2009 Edge Professional Development Program for Filmmakers Oct. 23 – Dec. 11. They also offer a Professional Development Weekend Workshop for Performing Artists Sept. 19 – 20. They have also developed a new health care program for artists. For details on all these and more, go to www.artisttrust.org.
Applications for 2010 Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in a recording studio and the participate in our various presentation programs. Deadline is Oct. 30, 2009. For details, go to www.jackstraw.org or call (206) 634-0919.
Joshua Helm of Wing Luke Asian Museum offers a free introductionary Oral History Workshop at the Museum on Oct. 7 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. To RSVP, contact Christina Seong at (206) 623-5124×102 pr e-mail [email protected].
Washington Lawyers for the Arts offers a workshop on Copyright & Creative Commons: Alternative Licenses in the Arts on Sept. 22 from noon-2 p.m. At 4 Culture located at 101 Prefontaine Place S. To register, call 1-800-836-3006. To pay at the door, RSVP with WLA at (206) 328-7053. Registration at the session begins at 11:30 a.m. For complete details, go to info.thewla.org or call (206) 328-7053.
City of Auburn Arts Commission issues a call to artists for three special exhibits. prospectus and application go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call (253) 931-3043.
In San Francisco, Kearny St. Workshop, the nation’s oldest Asian Pacific American multi-disciplinary arts organization, presents “APAture” from Sept. 17 -26. This two-weekend-long festival takes place at venues throughout the city and includes the talents of Johnny Hi-Fi, Tanji Chopra, Kenny Yun, Aimee Suzara, Debbie Huey, fiftyseven-thirtythree and many others. Go to www.kearnystreet.org/apature for details.
