Highlights
IDEA Odyssey Gallery presents “Balik/Ibalik”, an exhibit of new photographs by Carina A. del Rosario. In this new work, the artist documents her recent trip to the Philippines after a 22 year absence and explores the intersections of language, culture, family and place. Opening reception is Thurs., Feb. 2 from 5 – 8pm. On view through March 31. Del Rosario gives an artist talk on Feb. 11 from 1 – 3pm. 666 S. Jackson. Open Th., Fri. and Sat. from noon to 5pm or by appointment. (206) 462-1359 or go to www.ideaodysseygallery.com.
Opening Feb. 9 at Seattle Art Museum downtown is “Gauguin Polynesia – An Elusive Paradise.” Through April 29. Paired with the famed Gauguin paintings of the South Pacific are 60 sculptures, jewelry and functional objects from the native cultures of the South Pacific. SAM, 1300 First Ave., Seattle. Visit: www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Batkhurel Bold, the dynamic principal dancer of Pacific Northwest Ballet (originally from Mongolia) stars in the new production of “Don Quixote.” Ten performances only from Feb. 3 – 12 at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Call (206) 441-2424 or go to pnb.org.
Krys Lee was born in Seoul, raised in California and Washington, and studied in the United States and England. She now lives in Seoul. In her debut book of short stories entitled “Drifting House” (Viking), she revisits characters she knows and the pressures of life in both Korea’s and Korean Americans in the U.S. She reads at the University Book Store in Seattle on Wed., Feb. 8 at 7pm. 4326 University Way NE. Call (206) 634-3400.
If you are interested in the music of taiko, the Japanese traditional drum then try these upcoming concerts. Seattle University, Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee and Friends of Minidoka present “Day of Remembrance 2012 Taiko Fest” set for Sun., Feb. 19 from 1 – 5 p.m. The concert features over 7 Seattle taiko groups all performing on the same stage. Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium. Located at 901 – 12th Ave., Seattle. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets or go to http://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/. Internationally known drumming group, “TAO: The Way of the Drum” perform on Fri., Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. Moore Theatre in downtown Seattle at 1932 – 2nd, Seattle. Tickets at www.stgpresents.org or call (877) 784-4849.
The UW World Series presents Shen Wei Dance Arts with performances at UW’s Meany Hall Feb. 2 – 4 at 8 p.m. Each piece incorporates visual and storytelling elements from the theater, Chinese opera, Eastern philosophy, traditional and contemporary visual art and sculpture. There will be a pre-show talk in the main auditorium by Chung Xinwei of the UW Dance Department at 7:10 p.m. Call (206) 543-4880 or go to www.uwworldseries.org for details.
Hawaiian singer/songwriter John Cruz makes a welcome return to Seattle’s Triple Door on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Growing up in a family with a record collection well-stocked with Motown, Cruz also blends traditional Hawaiian music with Reggae, pop, soul and blues that amounts to a soulful, original island sound. Cruz is also a masterful guitarist with a full sound coming from a solo guitar back-up to his vocals. The Triple Door at 216 Union St. downtown. Go to (206) 838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.net for details.
This year’s 7th Annual Children’s Film Festival features a number of films from Asia and South Asia in their program. Through Feb. 5. Northwest Film Forum at 1515 – 12th Ave. Call (206) 329-2629 or go to www.nwfilmforum.org.
“Hungry Planet: What the World Eats” is a fascinating photo exhibit that takes 10 families from around the world and looks at what they eat, day in and day out. Opens Jan. 28 and remains on view through June 10. UW’s Burke Museum, 17th Ave. NE and NE 45th in Seattle. Call (206) 544-5590 or go to www.burkemuseum.org.
Opening Jan. 27 at the Uptown Cinemas is “Norwegian Wood” which played at last year’s SIFF. This marks the film’s regular run. Adapted from the best selling novel by Haruki Murakami and directed by acclaimed director Tran Anh Hung (The Scent of Green Papaya), the film tells the story of a young Japanese couple and their friend in a relationship torn asunder by death. In Japanese with English subtitles. 511 Queen Anne Ave. Call (206) 324-9996.
Author Diane Fujino is the author of two books on powerful Asian American community activists. She penned “Heartbeat of Struggle: The Revolutionary Life of Yuri Kochiyama (see mention of the documentary film on Kochiyama above) and her look on Afro-Asian coalition builder Richard Aoki entitled “A Samurai Among Panthers: Richard Aoki on Race, Resistance and a Paradoxical Life” (University of Minnesota Press) comes out in April She makes a surprise visit here on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in what’s sure to be a provocative and timely talk on activists in the community. Fujino is associate professor of Asian American Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 – 10th Ave. Call (206) 624-66000 or go to www.elliottbaybook.com.
“Within/Without” by sculptor June Sekiguchi looks at extremes of emotion in the life of the artist. Overjoyed at an invitation from Prince Nithakong Somsanith of Laos, for an artist residency, Sekiguchi was simultaneously shocked with the sudden death of a parent. Out of this comes a site-specific installation in scroll-cut wood and gilded bamboo, a temple of transcendence, sorrow and joy – with responsive sound and light elements by Rob Mills and Spar Wilson. Augmented with new wall-hung sculptures. On view now with a reception on Feb. 2 from 5 – 8 p.m. and an artist talk set for Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. ArtXchange Gallery 512 First Ave. S. Call (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org . The artist’s residency in Laos was sponsored by 4Culture.
Christian Bale stars in Zhang Yimou’s “Flowers of War” which opens Jan. 20 at a Seattle Landmark Theatre. Bale plays a renegade American posing as a priest who trys to protect Chinese children during the Japanese invasion of Nanjing in 1937. Screenplay by Liu Heng and Yen Geling based on Geling’s novel.
Visual Arts
Takahito Sekiguchi, a visiting ceramic artist from the University of Tokyo and currently resident artist with Tacoma Community College showcases his work at KOBO at Higo Feb. 18 – March 17. Opening reception is Sat., Feb. 18 from 4 – 6 p.m. Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. [email protected]. Call (206) 381-3000.
ONTOLOGUE is a touring art entity that specializes in exhibitions and publications. At SOIL Gallery, they present “Parliament of Things”, a group show. Kentaro Ikegami will do a performance piece utilizing the gallery reception catering and shintoist traditions. Opens Feb. 2 from 6 – 8 p.m. and remains on view through Feb. 25. 112 – 3rd Ave. S. Go to soilart.org for details.
Noted Seattle ceramic artist Patti Warashina has work in the group show entitled “Around The Bend And Over The Edge: Seattle Ceramics 1964 – 1977” from Feb. 11 – May 6 at UW Henry Art Gallery in the North Galleries, 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st At. Go to henryart.org or call (206) 543-2280.
Winston Wachter Fine Art presents “New Paintings” by Hiro Yokose. Through Feb. 23. 203 Dexter Ave. N. Call (206) 652-5855 or go to www.winstonwachter.com.
“Journeys” is a group show of local artists influenced by travel. The work of Romson Regarde Bustillo is included. Through Feb. 11. SAM Gallery located at 1220 Third Ave. Call (206) 343-1101. SOIL Gallery at 112 – 3rd Ave. S. in Seattle.
Cambodian-born artist Soheap Pich immigrated to the US with his family to escape the Khmer Rogue and attended art school here, earning an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After a few years of meaningless jobs less than conducive to making art, he returned to his home country where he transitioned to sculpture using rattan and bamboo which suggests Cambodia’s basket-weaving tradition. He comes to Seattle’s Henry art Gallery to construct an installation entitled “Compound.” On view till April 1, 2012. Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus located at 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st. Call (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org for details. On the third floor, explore a new show entitled “The Seattle Art Museum & Seattle Artists in the 1930s and 1940s” which celebrates the work of Northwest artists whose careers were fostered by the director and patrons of the museum. Includes work by Mark Tobey, Morris Graves and Emilio Amero. SAM Next series is Seattle Art Museum’s contemporary art exhibition program intended to shed light on cutting-edge contemporary young artists and the work they are doing. Selected sixth in the series is New York-based multi-media artist Mika Tajima. Tajima combines painting, sculpture, design, performance, video and sound to create immersive installations that expand the possibilities of each medium. On view through June 17, 2012. SAM is located at 1300 First Ave. in Seattle. Call (206) 654-3100 or go to www.seattleartmuseum.org for details.
“North, South, East, West” is a group show curated by June Sekiguchi at University House in the Wallingford neighborhood. It looks at the multicultural fabric of America as exemplified by Seattle artists from Ethiopia, Poland, Vietnam, Iraq etc. Includes work by Carina del Rosario Minh Carrico, Tina Koyama and others. The show will be on display until Feb. 13, 2012. University House, 4400 Stone Way N. at N. 45th, Seattle. Call (206) 545-8400.
“Painting Seattle: Kamekichi Tokita & Kenjiro Nomura” curated by Barbara Johns remains on view till Feb. 19, 2012. In the 1930’s these two artists documented the landscape of the city and the farmland on weekends and ran their day job of sign-painting on the weekdays. You can still find evidence of their daily labor in signs around Japantown and ID/Chinatown from the “Blue Funnel Line” sign on a door near the Wing to the curtain of painted ads of neighborhood businesses once in the Nippon Kan and now in the Wing’s little theatre. But their own painting of cityscapes and landscapes won recognition in the 1930’s as well. Tokita died too young from poor health after getting out of an internment camp but Nomura would live long enough to see his work turn abstract and receive the honor of being the first Seattle artist to get a one-person show at Seattle Art Museum. Tours of the show will begin on weekends at noon starting at the Fuller Garden Court. Coming March 15 and on view till August 5, 2012 will be a show entitled “Colors of the Oasis, Central Asian Ikats” which features 40 colorful robes created during the 19th century using the labor intensive process known as ikat. All at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 Prospect Ave., Seattle. For more information, call (206) 654-3100 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Early February brings First Thursday Historic Hotel Tour at a discount on Feb. 2 from 10am – 8 p.m. Former Museum director and writer Ron Chew reads from his new book entitled “Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes: The Legacy of Filipino American labor Activism” on Feb. 2 at 6pm. Other continuing activities include the following – Jan. 21 – March 31 is the Historic Hotel & Chinatown Discovery Tour with a Lunar New Year twist. Call (206) 623-5124×133 for details. On Sat., Feb. 18 from 1 – 3 p.m., learn how to make food paintings with Romson Regarde Bustillo as part of Family Fun Day. On Sat., March 17 from 1 – 3 p.m., Mizu Sugimura teaches a Japanese Art Workshop as part of Family Fun Day. Special exhibition opening reception for “Asian American Arcade” on Feb. 9 from 6 – 8 p.m. Follow video games out of the arcade and into the art gallery where related artworks explore questions of identity, community, imagination, learning and the power of play in our lives. “Meet Me at Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese American Family” is a new show of a famous neighborhood general store that just opened. On view until Spring 2012. Accompanied by a catalogue with essay written by Ken Mochizuki. Also new is “From Fields to Family: Asian Pacific Americans and Food” which explores the traditions, techniques and mouth-watering stories of food through culture and cooking techniques passed on through home and restaurant over the years. “Vintage Japantown through the lens of the Takano Studio” is another show which looks at portrait photography from one studio active from the 1930’s to the early 1940’s. Studios like this once thrived in the neighborhood and captured the everyday life of its inhabitants. Through Feb. 12, 2012. On Sat., Feb. 18 from 1 – 5 p.m., the museum sponsors three film screenings in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 that led to the imprisonment of Japanese Americans. Free. “Conscience and the Constitution” by Frank Abe screens at 1 p.m. “With Honors Denied” by Yukiko Kubo Shiogi is at 4 p.m. and “Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story is at 4:20pm. Go to http://wingluke.org/events/upcoming.htm for details. For information on all of the above, go to www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
Artists Susie J. Lee, Henry Tsang and Jin-Me Yoon were selected to participate in “The 10th Northwest Biennial” which will be on view through May 2012. Work was selected by TAM curator Rock Hushka and independent art curator Renato Rodrigues da Silva. (253) 272-4258 or go to www.TacomaArtMuseum.org.
The work of Joseph Park is included in a group show entitled “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” on view at Museum of Northwest Art through March 14. The show showcases futuristic work that reflects the Northwest’s rich history of embracing traditions of industry and innovations of technology. 121 South First St. in La Conner. (360) 466-4446 or go to www.museumofnwart.org.
The work of Roger Shimomura is on view through March 10 at Gonzaga University’s Jundt Gallery in Spokane. 502 E. Boone Ave. (509) 323-6611 or go to www.gonzaga.edu/jundt Shimomura’s work is also in a group show at the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. entitled “Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter”. Through Oct. 14, 2012. Go to www.npa.sl.edu/exhibit/encounter/visit.html. After the show closes, it will tour including venues in Washington State.
Coverage of early Japanese American history in the region is included in the permanent exhibit at White River Valley Museum, 918 “H” St. S.E. in Auburn. Call (253) 288-7433 or go www.wrvmuseum.org.
The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center preserves the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the area. Their permanent exhibit is “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of a Community.” “Forthcoming shows will be “Kokeshi: From Tradition to Tools,” “Coming Home: Japanese Americans in Portland After WWII” and “Roger Shimomura: Shadows of Minidoka.” Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, 121 NW 2nd Ave. in Portland. Call (503) 224-1458 or e-mail: [email protected].
The Portland Japanese Garden offers the serenity of a Japanese garden plus numerous classes, art shows and workshops year around. Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. Call (503) 233-1321.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene has the following exhibits. Coming next spring is a show entitled “Visions of the Orient: Western Women artists in Asia, 1900 – 1940.” Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, Seattle. Call (541) 346-3027.
“Hiroshima: Photographs by Miyako Ishiuchi” on view through Feb. 12. This noted Japanese photographer chose the objects she photographed from more than 19,000 personal effects left behind by those who perished in the bombings. Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Dr., Vancouver, B.C. Call (604) 822-5087 or go to www.moa.ubc.ca.
Performing Arts
STG presents the Nan Hai Art Center’s “Celebrate the Year of Dragon” on Feb. 3 at 7:30pm. At the Paramount at 911 Pine St. (425) 576-8880 or go to www.nanhaishow.com. Tickets at stgpresents.org or call (877) 784-4849.
Improv comedy troupe Pork Filled Players charge into the year of the dragon with a new comedy/music cabaret entitled “Spam 0 Rama” on Wed., Feb. 15 at 7:30pm. Theatre Off Jackson at 409 – 7th Ave. S. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/221651 or go to www.porkfilled.com.
Miyagi Kai koto performance group will have a New Year’s performance on Sun., Feb. 5 at 1pm. At the Hokubei Houchi Foundation’s The North American Post Nagomi Teahouse Space. Free. 519 – 6th Ave. S. Call (206) 725-4958 or e-mail: [email protected].
David Choi performs at VERA Project on Fri., Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Near Warren Ave. N. & Republican at Seattle Center. Tickets at www.etix.com or call (206) 956-VERA.
The University of Washington Simpson Center for the Humanities presents a lecture program on Japan at KOBO at Higo. UW Japanese Art History Associate Professor Cynthea J. Bogel will talk about “Food, Drink and Ritual: Scenes behind Japanese Buddhist Temple Life” on Sat., Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. Kobo at Higo, 604 S Jackson. Call (206) 381-3000.
Saturday University Lecture Saturdays Feb. 18 – April 7 at 9:30 a.m. At Seattle Asian Art Museum’s Stimson Auditorium. Feb. 18 brings UW Prof. Chris Murray who will talk about “Health Trends in Asia over Three Decades of Growth (1980-2010). Feb. 25, UBC Prof. Abidin Kusno and UW Tacoma Associate Prof. Lisa Hoffman will talk about “Greening Cities: Possibilities and Practices in Indonesia and China”. Visit seattleartmuseum.org or call (206) 654-3121.
The Seattle Symphony’s new season comes with a new conductor, Ludovic Morlot and some surprises. Some highlights include the following – Mei Ann Chen guest conducts the symphony in the annual “Celebrate Asia” program with guests Jie Ma on pipa, Hahn-Bin on violin and Cuong Vu on trumpet. Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Jennifer Koh is violin soloist on March 22, 24 & 25 performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto under the baton of Morlot. On April 16 at 7:30 p.m., Myung-Whun Chung and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra come into town with Wu Wei on sheng performing a mix of Eastern and Western compositions. For a complete schedule, call (206) 215-4747 or go to www.seattlesymphony.org.
Film/Media
“All’s Well, End’s Well 2012” is a Chinese romantic comedy starring Donnie Yen and others. Currently at Seattle’s AMC Pacific Place 11. 600 Pine St. (206) 652-8908.
The Written Arts
“Embracing Diversity in the Arts – Random Reflections on the Coming Tide of Change” is an article by Ron Chew that appears in the Fall 2011 issue of GIAreader- ideas and information on Arts and Culture” as published by the national arts organization, Grantmakers in the Arts. Call (206) 624-2312 or try [email protected].
Seattle poet Paisley Rekdal had her poem selected for the anthology entitled “Best American Poets” for 2011. The poem is from a forthcoming book of poems entitled “Animal Eye” due out in Feb. 2012.
Examiner contributor Yayoi Winfrey has a self-published book now on Goggle Books (http://books.goggle.com/books?id-QjhZPQAACAAJ@source=gbs_na/links_s) and an essay in a forthcoming textbook on Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (http://www.abc-clio.com/product.aspxisbn=9781598843545). Also check out her new art website at http://ww.yayoilenawinfrey.com.
Art News/Opportunities
A “Nikkei Writing Workshop” for Seattle area Japanese to record their memories of WW II takes place on Sat., Feb. 11 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. If interested, contact Atsushi Kiuchi at [email protected] or call (206) 568-7114. At the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington at 1414 S. Weller St.
Washington Lawyers For the Arts present their “Annual Evening Tax Workshop For Artists And The Attorneys Representing Them” on Wed., Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. At West of Lenin Theater at 203 n. 36th St. Call (800) 838-3006.
Artists practicing in craft, literary, media and music arts in Washington State are eligible to apply for the 2012 Artist Trust Fellowship. Deadline is Feb. 26, 2012. Go to www.artistrust.org for details.
The Wing issues an invitation to participate in “Beyond Talk 2”, a forthcoming exhibit on race at the Wing Luke Museum. In 2004, the museum had a show entitled “Beyond Talk: Redrawing Race. In 2013, a new exhibit on race opens. The community is invited to share in conversations on issues of race to provoke ideas for the new show. Talks take place in Feb. March, April and May at various neighborhoods throughout Seattle. To participate and get details, contact Exhibits Developer Mikala Woodward at [email protected] or call (206) 623-5124.
A series of Ikebana classes are offered at Cottage House in Seattle’s Volunteer Park Conservatory. Jan. 10 – Feb. 7. 1 – 3 p.m./ Feb. 21 – March 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For registration, go to www.seattle.gov/parks or call (206) 684-5177. For more information, go to www.ikebanahq.org.
Applications are now being accepted for the Neddy at Cornish, an annual artist award program supported by the Behnke Foundation and based at Cornish College of the Arts in memory of Robert E. (“Ned”) Behnke. Cash awards and a group exhibition given to selected Puget Sound artists. To see application, go to www.cornish.edu/neddy. For additional information, contact Jennifer Ward at (206) 315-5801 or e-mail [email protected].
Columbia City Gallery is an artist-run collective that represents over 30 local multi-media artists. The space has a Guest Gallery which showcases artists that reflect an ethnically diverse neighborhood. Do you have a great exhibit idea to propose or need more information? Go to [email protected] or email Lauren Davis at [email protected].
Poets & Writers’ Readings/Workshops Program offers small grants for literary events taking place in Seattle and covers writers’ fees for public readings and workshops. Go to www.pw.org/funding for details.
The Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery showcases emerging and established artists of color from ethnic and cultural communities. For details and deadlines, e-mail: [email protected].
There is a deadline of March 1, 2012 for US artists interested in applying for the US/Japan Creative artist’ Program. Multi-disciplinary artists will work in Japan at a project or study of their choice. A grant award will cover housing, living and professional expenses and travel costs will be covered as well. Go to www.jusfc.gov for full details.
Though Seattle Art Museum has temporarily suspended all their art councils, due to financial problems, some members of the Asian Art Council stay in touch as a non-profit known as Friends of Asian Art Association. In their Dec. 2011 newsletter is an interview with Pakistani sculptor Humaira Abio who recently exhibited at ArtXchange Gallery. She lives in Seattle but also works out of a studio in Lahore, Pakistan. For details, go to [email protected].
Award-winning Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives”) does more than movies. He is also an installation artist with a background in architecture as well. Now, several new publications focus on his work. “For Tomorrow Tonight” Edited by Maeve Butler & Einear O’Raw (Irish Museum of Modern Art) looks at his body of work in film. “Primitive” looks at a multi-media project that comes out in several genres. The director focused on a village of farmers accused of being communists by the Thai army. Attacked by the army, the inhabitants flee into the jungle. The director worked with the young men of this village to document their struggle. A multi-film installation at a gallery, an on-line installation at Animate Projects and a limited edition artist’s book by CUJO.
Local artist Paul Komada is one of five new members who will join the Soil Art Collective. Their work will eventually appear in the SOIL Gallery at 112 – 3rd Ave. S. Go to www.soilart.org for details.
