Visual Arts
“Sanctuary:Design for Belonging” looks at dozens of ideas from architects and designers on how their profession could help support immigrants and refugees. The show runs from Dec. 6 – Feb. 23, 2019. Mayumi Tsutakawa, one of the research writers for this exhibit will lead a tour of the show on Jan. 24, 2019. AIA Seattle at 1010 Western Ave. 206-496-4278.
The Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts is run by the Puyallup School Distrcit. Their current exhibit up until mid-January 2019 is Legacy Washington Exhibit Korea 65: The Forgotten War Remembered” which is a story about the Korean War as seen through many lens. The story of Patsy Surh O’Connell, founder of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma is part of this exhibit. 309 4th St. NE in Puyallup,WA. 253-841-8748 or go to https://karctr.puyallup.k12.wa.us.
SAM Shop presentsIndian textile designer Payal Bugbee who will have a trunk show in the SAM shop on the ground floor of the downtown Seattle Art Museum on Dec. 8, 2018 from noon to 4pm. She will share her knoqledge of the txtile industry and her unique textiles will be on sale. There will also be a chai tasting by Jaipur Chai. Next to Seattle Art Museum downtown. 1300 1st Ave. 206-343-1101.
“PERSON OF INTEREST” is the title of a group show that features a variety of interpretations and mediums focusing on the human figure. Includes work by artists Carina A. del Rosario, Jim Kurihara, Miya Sukune and many others. The show is curated by June Sekiguchi and remains on view through Feb. 8, 2019. At University House Wallingford, 4400 Stone Way N. in Seattle
“This Is Our Home, Where We Belong – Coast Salish Female Artists on Identity, Spirituality and Environment” is a group show featuring the original artwork of five Coast Salish women curated by Denise Emerson. One of the three artists-in-residence is Roldy Aguero Ablao (Chamoru), a mixed media artist and storyteller who will create artworks inspired by stories of home and connections to Indigeneity and environmental justice. Other artists-in-residence include Native Kut – Pah-tu- Pitt & Sean Gallagher and Fox Spears. Part of “Yahaw – Together We Lift The Sky”, a year-long indigenous community-based project culminating in the inaugural exhibition at Seattle Office of Arts & Culture’s ARTS at King Street Station which opens in Jan., 2019. “Yahaw” will feature the work of 200+ Indigenous creative at over 20 sites across Seattle and beyond. Curated by Tracy Rector, Asia Tail and Satpreet Kahlon. Learn more at Yehawshow.com.On view through Dec. 9, 2018. Seattle Central Public Library’s 8th Floor Gallery. 1000 Fourth Ave. or go to www.spl.org/yehaw.
The Cornish Art Department Faculty Exhibition hosts a group show of work from art department faculty and instructors. Includes work by Robert Rhee, Humaira Abid and others. President’s Gallery in the Main Campus Center. 1000 Lenora Ave. On view through December 14, 2018. Gallery hours are Mon. – Fridays from 9am – 5pm.
“Invocation of Beauty: The Life and Photography of Soichi Sunami” is the first in-depth study of this photographer who got his start in Seattle in the studio of Ella McBride where he worked with Wayne Albee. Through the studio’s association with Cornish School, Sunami had the opportunity to photograph and interact with important modern dancers who visited such as Anna Pavlova, Ted Shawn and Martha Graham. Sunami also won many prizes in the highly thought of Frederick & Nelson salons before re-locating to New York in 1922. Here he opened a studio and began collaborating with Martha Graham. For almost forty years, he was the chief photographer for the Museum of Modern art. Like another Seattle photographer Frank Matsura, he became known for his iconic images of modern dancers. There is a silky sophisticated elegance to his style. Supplementing this exhibition will be a selection of paintings and drawings by his Seattle art instructor Fokko Tadama (1897-1948) and contemporaries such as Sumio Arima, Mabel Lisle Ducasse, Kamekichi Tokita and Kenjiro Nomura. On view through Jan. 6, 2019. Museum hours are Wed. – Sun. from 11am – 6pm. Art Walk Edmonds takes place Third Thursdays from 5 – 8pm and is free. 190 Sunset Ave. Edmonds, WA. 425-336-4809.
Hosekibako is JCCCW’s (Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington) thrift store and Japanese Resale Shop. It’s the perfect place to pick up Japanese arts & crafts at affordable prices. Items are 100% community donated and selection is constantly updated. Open Th., Fri. & Sat. from 10 am – 3pm. It is located in the East Building on the JCCCW campus. If interested in donating, call in advance at 206-568-7114 or email [email protected]. 1414 South Weller.
For fans of Seattle photographer Dean Wong, the ongoing exhibit of his work at Tai Tung restaurant has just been changed with a new round of work by the photographer, himself. So the next time you’re there ordering a bowl of noodles, look up and you’ll see a Dean Wong photograph. 655 S. King St. in the CID. 206-622-7372.
- Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at Seattle Central Community College presents the following – “Youth In Focus” is a group show of photographs from the Seattle youth photography project. Nov. 27 – Dec. 12, 2018. The gallery is located on 1701 Broadway on the North side of the Atrium Cafeteria in the main campus building. Free admission. Hours are 9am – 3:30pm on Mon. – Fri. and Evenings from 5 – 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. 206-934-4379 or go to www.seattlecentral.edu/artgallery.
A JCCCW Exhibition entitled “Genji Mihara: An Issei Pioneer” is ongoing. Mihara was an Issei first-generation Japanese immigrant leader who helped to build Japanese culture and community in Seattle. Open M – F from 10am – 5pm. Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington is at 1414 S. Weller St. Free. For details, go jcccw.org.
“Endangered Species – Artists On The Front Line of Biodiversity” curated by Barbara Matilsky is at Whatcom Museum until Jan. 6, 2019. This exhibition presents the work of sixty artists from around the world who convey both the wonder and fragility of life on earth through five interconnected themes spanning two hundred years, the show reflects the vital relationship between art and natural science. Includes work by Macoto Murayama, Yang Yongliang and many others. 250 Flora St. in Bellingham, WA 250 Flora St. 360-778-8930.
A non-profit, the Portland Chinatown History Foundation has opened the new Portland Chinatown Museum to the public. A new version of “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns”, an enormously popular national exhibit held at Oregon Historical Society two years ago will be permanently installed in Dec., 2018 followed by a gala celebration. The museum hopes to stir up interest in preserving what’s left of the community as gentrification strips away vestiges of the original community. 127 NW 3rd Ave. 503-224-0008.
“Group Therapy” is a group show that addresses themes of healing and self-care and comments on and/or adapts strategies of alternative medicine, psychotherapy and wellness practices. Includes work by Maryam Jafri and Cindy Mochizuki. On view through Jan. 6, 2019. Frye Art Museum at 704 Terry Ave. 206-622-9250.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center has a show every month of a local Asian American artist every month in their gallery.4851 South Tacoma Way in Tacoma. 253-383-3900 or asiapacificculturalcenter.org.
Seattle Art Museum has the following – “Pure Amusements: Chinese Scholar Culture and Emulators”, an installation of Chinese works ranging from prints to sculpture and furnishings to ceramics. The focus is on objects created for, and enjoyed during the intentional practice of leisure. Ongoing. “Noble Splendor: Art of Japanese Aristocrats” is on view through March 3, 2019 on the 3rd floor John McCone Gallery. It explores how the imperial court nobility and the military elite significantly shaped their country’s art history. “Walkabout:The Art of Dorothy Napangardi” opens May 5, 2018 and is ongoing. Third Floor Galleries. This Aboriginal artist was born in the Tanami Desert of Australia. Her work is a spiritual map of walking with her family across ancestral land. “Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India” remains on view through Jan. 21, 2019. You can get advance tickets for this exhibition by going to visitsam.org/peacock starting August 29, 2018. for Asian Art & Ideas. Seattle Art Museum is located at 1300 First Ave. 206-654-3210 or try www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Henry Art Gallery has a group show entitled “Between Bodies” through April 29, 2019. It includes sculpture, augmented reality, video, and sound-based works that delve into intimate exchanges and entwined relations between human and more-than-human bodies within contexts of ongoing ecological change. Candace Lin and Patrick Staff are among the participating artists. Located on the UW Seattle campus at 15th Ave. NE + NE 4lst Street. 206-543-2280 or try henryart.org.
STG presents “Re:definition-Celebrating 90 Years of Community, Culture and Space”, a group show in the lobby of the bar in the Paramount Theatre guest curated by Jean Alonzo Rodriguez, Tracy Rector and Tariqa Waters to help celebrate that cultural institution’s 90th birthday. Included is work by Junko Yamamoto, Kenji Hamai Stoll and others. 911 Pine in downtown Seattle. 206-682-1919.
Pacific Bonsai Museum shakes up this Japanese tradition with LAB (Living Art of Bonsai), an experimental collaborative for bonsai innovation This project is a re-sequencing in the order of influence between the bonsai artist, ceramicist and stand maker. The project kicks off in 2018 and continues through 2020. A video trailer from a film about this new process can be viewed at http://www.bonsaimirai.com. For more information, go to http://www.pacificbonsaimuseum.org. “Stone Images IX” is a free exhibit open to the public featuring 28 stones collected from Washington, California, New Mexico and Alaska by members of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association. These are naturally formed stones valued for shape, color, beauty, pattern or what they can be seen to represent. On view through Dec. 9, 2018. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is at 2515 S. 336th St. in Federal Way, WA. 206-612-0026 for information.
Portland Art Museum has the following –“The Map Is Not The Territory” on view until May 5, 2019 is a reconsideration of the art of the northwest region. This group show includes the work of Rob Rhee and Henry Tsang among others. It covers the Eastern edge of the Pacific including Oregon, Wasshington,Vancouver, BC and Alaska. Curated by Grace Kook-Anderson. A group show entitled “Poetic Imagination in Japanese Art” taken from the May & Cheney Cowles Collection will be on view through Jan. 13, 2019. View a new body of work by Portland-based artist Avantika Bawa as part of PAM’s “APEX” series. Looking at a singular Portland architectural structure, Bawa presents her ongoing series of drawings, prints and paintings of Veterans Memorial Coliseum. On view through Feb. 10, 2019. “Three Masters of Abstraction – Hagiwara Hideo, Ida Shoichi And Takahashi Rikio” looks at some Japanese modern abstract artists. Through May 5, 2019. 1219 S.W. Park Ave. 503-226-2811 or try [email protected].
KOBO at Higo at 604 South Jackson features many small arts & crafts/textile shows and activities inspired by Asia or work by Asian American artists. Cynthia Toops presents “New Work in Felt” through the end of Dec., 2018. Toops is a Seattle artist, originally from Hong Kong, who began making polymer clay beads and jewelry in 1986. Since then she has continued to experiment and borrow from ancient techniques in various media. Her work has been featured in shows at Tacoma Art Museum, Bellevue Arts Museum, American Craft Museum and most recently at Facere Gallery. The 12th Annual Simple Cup Show 2018 is on view through Dec., 2018 as well. There is another branch of KOBO on Capitol Hill at 814 E. Roy St. 206-726-0704.
New and recent shows /activities at the Wing Luke Asian Museum include the following – “Blast Off To Beyond” is the new KidPLACE exhibit which explores the field of aerospace and the Asian Pacific Americans that play a huge role in space exploration and technology. On view through Jan. 6, 2019. “Lore Re-Imagined: Shadows of Our Ancestors” is curated by Chieko Phillips. It brings together three artists who make work that engages the cultural traditions of previous generations. Satpreet Kahlon uses the embroidery and textile techniques passed on by her mother and grandmother to create soft works with strong cultural subtexts. Alex Anderson uses his ceramic studies in China to probe the moral and physical decay behind seemingly flawless facades. Megumi Shauna Arai’s “Unnamed Lake” uses sashiko (Japanese hand-stiched embroidery) to reflect on the physical, mental and emotional applications of mending. Remains on view through April 14, 2019. “Wham! Bam! Pow! – Cartoons, Turbans & Confronting Hate” opens May 4, 2018 and remains on view through Feb. 24, 2019. This is an exhibition of work by New York-based cartoonist Vishavjit Singh who wields art and humor to fight intolerance and challenge stereotypes. “A Dragon Lives Here”, part 4 of the ongoing Bruce Lee exhibition series has just opened. This concluding part hones in on Bruce Lee’s Seattle roots and how this region played a key role in shaping Lee and his groundbreaking career. “Visions of Pasifika: Light from Another World” on view now through Nov. 11 2018 looks at Pacific Islander artists who incorporate tradition while looking towards the future. Includes work by Lilian Ongelungel, Kalel’okalani, Roquin-Jon Quichocho Siongco and Selena Velasco. Toddler Story Time set for Thursdays at 11am always has events centered around a kid’s book and an art activity afterwards. A new addition to The Wing’s daily Historic Hotel Tour is “APT 507” which is the story of Au Shee, one Chinese immigrant woman who helped build Seattle’s Chinatown. Her living room is interactive with objects meant to be felt, opened and experienced. NOW let’s look at future shows the Wing is planning this fall and into 2019. “Worlds Beyond Here: The Expanding Universe of APA Science Fiction” is a show that remains on view through Sept. 15, 2019. From onscreen actors to behind-the-scenes writers, creators, artists and animators, learn about the impact Asian Pacific Americans have had and continue to have in science fiction. A mix of literary and pop culture works helps viewers to see how science fiction reflects the times they were written in. It addresses issues related to identity, immigration and race, technology, morality and the human condition. Curated by Mikala Woodward. Includes work by Tamiko Thiel, Simon Kono, June Sekigiuchi, Stasia Burrington, relics from George Takei’s Sulu character on Star Trek, clips & stills from the film, Arrival” based on Bellevue writer Ted Chiang’s story and much more. A group show tentatively titled “Open Housing” shows how community members across the Central Area, Chinatown-ID and Southeast Seattle gather to explore how racial restrictions on where people could live shaped the Seattle we know today and set a vision for those neighborhoods for the next 50 years. March 8, 2019 – Feb. 16, 2020 in the New Dialogues Initiative area. Carina del Rosario curates an exhibit entitled “Wide Angle/Close up: A Self Portrait of the Asian Pacific Islander American Community” from May 10, 2019 – April 19, 2020. Includes photography, video, and photo-based installations by photojournalists that document the community from the inside out. Set for the George Tsutakawa Gallery. “Chinatown in the 1970s” recreates Seattle’s Chinatown in the 1970’s and explores the values and customs that continue to shape the neighborhood today. July 20, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020 in the KidPLACE Gallery. The Museum is located at 719 South King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org. Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. First Thursday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm. Third Saturday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm.
Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park is now closed for what is projected to be a renovation and extension that will take several years.
“Familiar Faces & New Voices: Surveying Northwest Art” stays on view through the summer of 2019. This group show is a chronological walk through of Northwest art history, illustrated with the works of noted artists from each time period as well as lesser-known but just as important figures. Different works will be displayed throughout the run of this show. Includes the work of Patti Warashina, Roger Shimomura, Joseph Park, Alan Lau (full disclosure, that’s me) and many others. Tacoma Art Museum at 1701 Pacific Ave. 253-272-4258 or email [email protected] or go to www.TacomaArtMuseum.org.
“Land of Joy And Sorrow: Japanese Pioneers of the Yakima Valley” is an ongoing exhibit that traces the story of the Japanese families who settled in the Yakima valley. Yakima Valley Museum at 2105 Tieton Dr. in Yakima, WA. 509-248-0747.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center presents the following – “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community – ongoing. “Japanese American Life in Oregon” is an ongoing exhibit. Beginning this year, visitors can see artifacts of the collection up close as the stacks will be open to see as the staff does filing. 121 NW Second Ave. in Portland. 503-224-1458 or go to www.oregonnikkeir.org.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art located on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene has the following – “Reframing the Fragments: The Best We could Do” is on view through Feb. 17, 2019. It includes works made since 2000 by artists from the Vietnamese diaspora such as Binh Danh, Dinh Q. Le and Ann Lee. Embodies the complex sensations related to remembering and forgetting, tradition and innovation and trying to make sense of fragments of memory and history. “Graceful Fortitude: The Spirit of Korean Women” is on view from Nov. 17, 2018 – May 5, 2019. It includes art created by, for and/or about Korean women in all media from the twelfth to the twenty-first century. “Reflections of the Cosmic Web: Intricate Patterns in Daoist Art” remains on view through April 7, 2019. “Vibrance and Serenity: Art of Japanese No Traditional Theatre is on view through August, 2019. It covers the history and performance of No theatre using selected prints by Tsukioka Kogyo (1869 – 1927). 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene, Oregon. 541-346-3027.
“Select Works by Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani” looks at the work of this artist and the lasting impacts of war and discrimination and the healing power of creativity. Curated by Roger Shimomura and Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. On view through Dec. 31, 2018. Emerson Street House at 1006 NE Emerson St. in Portland. 323-632-6638 or go to www.emersonstreethouse.com.
Portland Japanese Garden has some interesting shows planned for this year. “Manga Hokusai Manga” comes Dec. 1 – Jan. 14, 2019. This is the only venue in the U.S. in which viewers can see the world famous manga woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai displayed alongside work by top modern manga artists. 611 South Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321 or try japanesegarden.org.
The work of Hung Liu, Roger Shimomura, Wendy Red Star and many others are included in the group exhibition “Witness: Themes of Social Justice in Contemporary Printmaking and Photography from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and its Family Foundation” now on view through Dec. 21, 2018 at Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University. With over 80 prints by 40 artists. The Museum is at 700 State St. in Salem, Oregon. 503-370-6855 or try [email protected]
“Remembering a Patron – Asian Art Donations from Dr. Judith Patt” is a group show honoring the legacy of this woman who generously donated Asian works of art to the AGGV for over 40 years. The show includes important Chinese and Japanese paintings to a variety of Japanese prints from the 18th to 20th century. On view until January 7 2019. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is at1040 Moss St. in Victoria, BC, Canada. 250-384-4171 or go to aggv.ca.
Vancouver Art Gallery – “Guo Pei: Couture Beyond” is the first Canadian exhibition devoted to the work of China’s preeminent couturiere. On view through Jan. 20, 2019. This mid-career survey features more than forty complete looks from Pei’s most iconic runways from 2006 to 2017. Her work combines contemporary aesthetics, production methods and materials with ancient tradition, evoking Chinese history and mythology in her craft techniques, fabric selection and imagery. Organized by the Vancouver Art Gallery in collaboration with SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film curated by Diana Freundl, Associate Curator, Asian Art and Stephanie Rebick, Associate Curator. Vancouver Art Gallery is at 750 Hornby St. in Vancouver, BC Canada. 604-662-4719 or vanartgallery.bc.ca.
“IN/FLUX: Art of Korean Diaspora” is a group show of Vancouver-based Korean Canadians who make traditional arts compellingly contemporary. Through Jan. 6. 2019. Museum of Vancouver at 110 Chestnut St. Go to [email protected] for details.
Nikkei National Museum presents the following – The museum has numerous online exhibits as well as offsite exhibits. Check their website for details. The Nikkei National Museum is at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby. 604-777-7000 or go to nikkeiplace.org.
Chinese Cultural Centre Museum has the ongoing exhibit “Generation to Generation – History of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia.” 555 Columbia St. Vancouver, BC. 604-658-8880. Admission by donation.
“Entr’acte: The Works of Taiga Chiba” includes new mixed media work influenced by the artist’s recent stay in Guatemala and Mexico influenced by Mayan culture of Meso-America and Maya, the Hindu goddess of illusion. On view through Dec. 7, 2018. Art Beatus Gallery in Vancouver, BC Canada. 108-808 Nelson St. 604-688-2633 or try artbeatus.com.
An ongoing exhibit entitled “Call for Justice: Fighting for Japanese Canadian Redress (1977-1988)” is on view at Nanaimo Museum at 100 Museum Way in Nanaimo, Canada. 250-753-1821 or go to nanaimomuseum.ca.
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco has the following –“Painting Is My Everything From India’s Mithila Region” is on view through Dec. 30, 2018. 17 contemporary artists (many of them women) use centuries-old regional styles to express personal experiences and viewpoints. “The Night Journey” by Haroun Mirza on display until Dec. 9, 2018 is a site-specific immersive artwork using light and sound that reflects the artist’s interest in Sufi mysticism. Coming soon to the Larkin St. steps in front of the museum is a giant white sculpture that turns a puppy into the size of an elephant. “Your Dog” will be waiting for you and your selfie. Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s style blends cute, creepy and vulnerable into an appealing blend. “Kimono Refashioned” is a major exhibition on the evolution of the Japanese kimono created by the Museum in collaboration with the Kyoto Costume Institute. It runs from Feb. 8, 2019 – May 5, 2019. 200 Larkin St. 415-581-3500.
SFO Museum at San Francisco International Airport has on view through Jan. 6, 2019, “Isamu Noguchi: Inside And Out” which is an installation of interior and exterior landscapes drawn from sheetmetal kirigami, combined with his Akari lanterns.
The De Young Museum has the following – “Contemporary Muslim Fashions” is the first major museum exhibition to explore the complex, diverse nature of Muslim dress codes worldwide. The exhibition examines how Muslim women – those who cover their heads and those who do not – have become arbiters of style within and beyond their communities, and in so doing have drawn mass media attention to contemporary Muslim life. On view until Jan. 6, 2019. “Ranu Mukherjee: A Bright Stage”. This contemporary artist explores drawing, painting, animation and choreography to create hybrid installations that blur the line by imbuing each with qualities of the other. It is installed in one of the museum’s public spaces so no admission fee is required to see it. In Golden Gate Park at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 415-750-3600.
“Islam and the Classical Heritage” is the current show on view at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. On view through Jan. 27, 2019. Located in Lincoln Park at 100 – 34th Ave. 415-750-3600.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) presents the following – “Art And China After 1989: Theater of the World”. Bracketed by the conflicts associated with Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the celebratory moment of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, this survey of Chinese contemporary art looks at the bold movements that anticipated, chronicled and agitated for the sweeping social transformation that brought China to the center of the global conversation. On view through Feb. 24, 2019. 151 Third St. 415-357-4000 or try [email protected].
LACMA or Los Angeles County Museum of Art has “The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka” from Dec. 9, 2018 – June 23, 2019. This is the first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankan art organized by an American museum. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. 323-857-6010.
Ai Weiwei has new shows opening in Los Angeles. His first solo institutional show in the area is at Marciano Art Foundation’s Theater Gallery through March 3, 2019. The main piece here is entitled “Life Cycle” and looks like an inflated raft crammed with human figures with animal heads of the Chinese zodiac meticulously crafted in bamboo using Chinese kite-making techniques by craftspeople. It reflects his concern with the global refugee crisis. 4357 Wilshire Blv. 424-204-7555 or try www.marcianoartfoundation.org. “Ai Weiwei: Zodiac” is at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery Through Jan. 5, 2019. It includes new and historic work such as “stools” which includes nearly 6,000 antique wooden stools collected from Northern China. 925 N. Orange Dr. in Hollywood, CA. 323-925-3000 or try www.deitch.com.
The Broad has had a Yayoi Kusama infinity room entitled “The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away” in their permanent collection for some time. Now they have added a second one entitled “Longing For Eternity” to their collection. Visitors can see it on view beginning March 17, 2018. For tickets, go to [email protected]
The Japanese American National Museum has the following shows – “Kaiju vs heroes: Mark Nagata’s Journey through the World of Japanese Toys” feature artist Mark Nagata’s monster’s and superheroes doing battle in an exhibit sure to captivate little and big kids everywhere. On view through March 24, 2019. Limited edition facsimiles of characters in this show fashioned in the sofubi (soft vinyl) method in Japan will be on sale in the gift shop. “Common Ground: The Heart of Community.” This overview exhibit of Japanese American history is ongoing.
100 N. Central Ave. in Los Angeles. 213-625-0414 or go to http://www.janm.org.
The Huntington Library Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is home to The Garden of Flowing Fragrance (Liu Fang Yuan), one of the largest Chinese-style gardens outside China in the Suzhou style. 1151 Oxford Rd. in San Marino, CA. 626-405-2100.
The USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena is one of the few U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. It closed its 1924 building for more than a year for a seismic retrofit and a makeover of its galleries. The museum has now re-opened to the public. “Ceremonies And Celebrations: Textile Treasures from the USC Pacific Asia Museum Collection” is on view from through Jan. 6, 2019. 46 N. Los Robles Ave. 626-449-2742 or email [email protected].
“Chiura Obata: An American Modern” is the first retrospective of this noted Bay area artist whose work reflected the glories of the American landscape from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite. His influence could also be felt at UC Berkeley where he had a distinguished teaching career. He also helped found art schools in internment camps during WWII. Curated by ShiPu Wang with a catalogue. The exhibition travels to the following sites. Jan. 18 – March 10, 2019 at Okayama Prefecture Museum of Art in Okayama, Japan (the artist’s hometown), June 23 – Sept. 29, 2019 at Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.
“Gannenmono – A Legacy of Eight Generations in Hawai’i” is a new exhibit that honors the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the first plantation workers in Hawai’i from Japan known as “Gannenmono.” It will use first-hand accounts, historic illustrations and authentic cultural objects to tell the story of the 150 Japanese workers who crossed the Pacific to Hawai’i and how their trials, perseverance and victories shaped the history of both Japan and Hawai’i. The Bishop Museum. 1525 Bernice St. in Honolulu, Hi. 808-847-3511 or [email protected].
“Okagesama De: I Am What I Am Because Of You” is a newly renovated permanent exhibit that tells the cultural story of the incredible legacies and values passed on from generation to generation starting with the first wave of Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i up to the present day. On view at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i. 2454 South Beretania St. 808-945-7633 or try [email protected]
Denver Art Museum has the following – Next in a series of exhibitions featuring contemporary artists that the museum feels should have fuller exposure in the region in the Logan Gallery and FuseBox in the Hamilton Building’s fourth floor features work by Native American visual artist Julie Buffalohead and Japan-based conceptual artist Shimabuku. Both artists use the depiction of animals as a vehicle to explore both familiar and unfamiliar narratives related to their personal heritage and the world around them. Buffalohead uses metaphors, iconography and storytelling narratives to describe the emotional and subversive American Indian cultural experience. Shimabuku showcases a video entitled “do snowmonkeys remember snow mountains?” in which a group of Japanese snow monkeys are transported from their natural habitat of snow-capped Japanese mountains to a Texas desert sanctuary. Shimabuku uses these Texas primates as a surrogate for humans to explore ideas of migration, environmental adaptation and memory. Featured at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017. Both installations on view through Jan. 20, 2019. 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway in Denver, CO. Call 720-865-5000 or go to www.denverartmuseum.org.
The Freer/Sackler Gallery on the Smithsonian Mall shows you how religion and art mix in “Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia through Nov. 29, 2020. 202-633-1000 or go to FreerSackler.si.edu for details.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has the following – “Seeing the Divine: Pahari Paintings of North India” from Dec. 22, 2018 – July 21, 2019. “The Poetry of Nature: Edo Paintings from the Fishbein-Bender Collection” through Jan. 21, 2019. “Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal” through Dec.16, 2018. “Japanese Arms and Armor from the Collection of Etsuko and John Morris” through Jan. 6, 2019. “Streams and Mountains Without End: Landscape Traditions of China” through Jan. 6, 2019. Coming Nov. 19, 2018 – Oct. 27, 2019 is a major sculpture exhibition from the 18th & 19th century era in the Pacific Islands entitled “Atea: Nature And Divinity In Polynesia.”1000 Fifth Ave. New York, New York. Go to metmuseum.org for details.
The Met Breuer uncorks a retrospective that looks at the possibilities and history of large-scale abstraction. “Epic Abstraction: Pollock To Herrera” Includes Inoue Yuichi’s ink splattered works and paintings by Gutai member Kazuo Shiraga. Opens Nov. 28, 2018. Go to metmuseum.org for details.
The Japan Society presents a retrospective on the work of photographer “Yasumasa Morimura: Ego Obscura” opening Oct. 12, 2018. The show highlights the artist’s 30-year-long career of excavating “the self” layers of art history, Japanese postwar history, and personal history. A group show entitiled “Japanese Radicalism” curated by Reiko Tomii and based on her book from 2016 throws light on the global web of correspondences that influenced Japanese modern artists borrowing from conceptualism, mail art and happenings. March 8 – June 9, 2019. 333 E. 47th St. 212-832-1155.
The Rubin Museum of Art has the following shows – “The Second Buddha” through Jan. 7, 2019. “Masterworks of Himalayan Art” through March 25, 2018. “Gateway to Himalayan Art” through July 16, 2018. “A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful” through Nov. 11, 2018. “The Sacred Buddha – Master of Time” through Jan. 7, 2019. “A Lost Future” by Shezad Dawood – The Otolith” through Jan. 28, 2019. “Tibetan Buddhist Art” gets a full survey including offerings from the museum’s own collection and objects from the Musee Guimet in Paris, the Cleveland Museum of Art and other institutions. Feb. 1, 2019 – July 15, 2019. 150 W. 17th St. New York, New York. 212-620-5000×344 or go to rubinmuseum.org.
The Museum of Chinese in America has the following – “With A Single Step: Stories in the Making of America” is on view through Dec. 31, 2020. This is MOCA’s core exhibit that brings to light the Museum’s unique historical content in its new home designed by Maya Lin. “Radical Machines: Chinese in the Information Age” looks at the technologically crucial Chinese typewriter and the role it played in modernization and communication. Oct. 18, 20198 – March 24, 2019. “Interior Lives: Photographs of Chinese Americans in the 1980’s by Bud Glick” documents the street life of New York’s Chinatown during a time of major changes. On view Oct. 24, 2018 – March 24, 2019. 215 Centre St. New York, NY. 855-955-MOCA or go to mocanyc.org.
The Asia Society Museum in New York presents the following – “The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India” through Jan 20, 2019. It looks at the emergence of a modern art movement in India via The Progressive Artist’ Group which formed in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the aftermath of independence. The show is comprised of works by the group’s core founders as well as later names affiliated with the group. Organized by Dr. Zehra Jumabhoy and Boon Hui Tan. There will be a series of programs held in conjunction with this show. To find out more, go to AsiaSociety.org/NY. 725 Park Ave. New York City, New York. 212-327-9721 or go to www.asiasociety.org for more details.
The Noguchi Museum has the following show through Jan. 27, 2019. “Akari – Sculpture by Other Means” looks at how Noguchi’s paper lanterns can create and transform space in different warp through installation. 9 – 01 33rd Rd, Long Island City, NY. 718-204-7088.
“Art of the Mountain: Through the Chinese Photographer’s Lens” is a group show looking at how Chinese photographers perceive landscape. Now through Feb. 17, 2019 at China Institute Gallery at 100 Washington St. (visitor entrance is at 40 Rector St . on the 2nd floor) in New York. 212-744-8181 or go to www.chinainstitute.org.
Masayuki Koorida – An extensive survey & the artist’s first major exhibition in the U.S. with large scale works in marble and granite as well as smaller, playful works in stainless steel & acrylic as well as drawings. Remains on view through March17, 2019. Tallur L. N. is an Indian sculptor who combines Indian craft traditions and novel sculptural techniques to infuse ancient iconography with contemporary meanings. “Multiplicity” is a show that has around thirty works in a variety of mediums, from carved stone and wood to cast bronze and concrete to found objects. May 5, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020. Grounds for Sculpture at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton, New Jersey.609-586-0616 or [email protected] for sculpture.org.
“The Fabric of India” put together by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London comes to Cincinnati Art Museum through Jan. 6, 2019. A survey of that country’s unique textile design from 17th century Gujarati cotton to contemporary fashion. Go to cincinnatiartmuseum.org for details
Wrightwood 659 is a new exhibition space dedicated to architecture and socially engaged art. It sits in a former apartment building in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning , self-taught, Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Ando often works with reinforced concrete and is known for his mastery of light. The initial show is “Ando And Le Corbusier: Masters of Architecture” up until Dec. 15, 2018. 659 W. Wrightwood Ave. 773-437-6601.
Pakistani-born artist Huma Bhabha’s rugged style of figurative sculpture working with a variety of material from clay and Styrofoam often evokes science-fictional imagery like the aliens currently on the roof of the Met. This large retrospective allows us to see the range of her interests in all phases of her career from masks to photographs and drawings. March 20 – May 27, 2019. Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr. in Boston, MA. 617-478-3100
Museum of Fine Arts Boston has the following – “Hao Jingban: Beijing Ballroom” uncovers a Chinese tradition. Through Jan. 21, 2019. 9300 Avenue of the Arts. 465 Huntington Ave. Go to mfa.org or call 617-267-9300.
The Peabody Essex Museum presents “Empresses of China’s Forbidden City”, the first major international exhibition to explore the role of empresses in China’s Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Includes many works never seen before in the U.S. Through Feb. 10, 2019. 161 Essex St. in Salem, MA. 978-745-9500 or go to pem.org. This show moves on to the Freer/Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian Mall in Washington D.C. March 30 – June 23, 2019.
“Beyond The Pedestal: Isamu Noguchi and the Borders of Sculpture” is on view through Jan. 6. 2019. Portland Museum of Art at 7 Congress Square in Portland,Maine. 207-775-6148 or try [email protected]
The Minneapolis Institute of Art has the following. “Love Affairs: The Tale of Genji in Japanese Art” through March 10. 2019. “Without Boundaries: Fiber Sculpture & Paintings by Women Artists” featuring work by Yayoi Kusama through July 21, 2019. “Emblems of a Prosperous Life: Women’s Robes of Late Imperial China (1700s-1800s) through June 30, 2018. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 2400 Third Ave. S. Call toll free at 888-642-2787.
“Ruth Asawa: Life’s Work” features almost eighty sculptures, drawings and collages of this Bay Area treasure with the highlight being a ten-foot wire piece she did for her friend and former teacher, Buckminster Fuller and her origami-like sculptures made of paper often used as models for public art commissions. Through Feb. 16, 2019. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri. 314-754-1850.
The Dallas Museum of Art has the following – “Asian Textiles: Art Along the Silk Road” stays on view until Dec. 9, 2018. 1717 N. Harwood in Dallas, TX. 214-992-1200.
Asia Society Texas Center in Houston presents the debut of Japanese artist Ayomi Yoshida’s large scale installation that looks at investigations of time, life cycles in nature and sensory memory. The piece includes video projections, vinyl applications on glass, hard carved and painted wall installations and a scrim complemented by intricate silkscreen-printed paper suspensions hung from the ceiling. The work is also inspired by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi’s design. On view through Jan. 13, 2019. Free and open to the public. 1270 Southmore Blvd. in Houston. 713-496-9901 or go to asiasociety.org.
“Lee Ufan: Relatun – Stage” on view through Jan. 27, 2019. Hito Steyerl looks at the relationship between networked technologies, image distribution and societal control. In this new commission for Serpentine Galleries, she works with technology to create a neural network that generates novel imagery and connections. Serpentine Galleries in London from March – May 2019. Kensington Gardens. 020-7402-6075.
Famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando has his globe-trotting career on display with models of over 70 of his creations along with 180 photographs and drawings. Centre Pomidou, Place Georges – Pompidou, 75004 in Paris, France. Through Dec. 31, 2018.
Indonesian-born, Amsterdam-based filmmaker Fiona Tan mixes found and original footage in her work to blue categories. Here, she uses color advertising footage from Agfa to explore notions of authenticity and normalcy in West Germany. May 4 – August 11, 2019. Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany. Heinrich-Boll-Platz, 50067 Koln, Germany. +49 221-221-26165 or [email protected].
We often think of Marimekko design products as distinctly Scandinavian but this Japanese textile and ceramics artist has lived in Helsinki and for more than 40 years has designed textiles for Marimekko as well as ceramics for Arabia. “Fujito Ishimoto: From Marimekko Flowers to Ceramic Fruits” is a retrospective that traces the artist’s work in various mediums. Through Dec. 16, 2018. The Museum of Art, Ehime; Harinouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime at Minami-Horibata station. Go to www.ehime-art.jp.
“Resistance of Fog: Fujiko Nakaya” is at Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Tower in Mito through Jan. 20, 2019. Nakaya is considered the first artist to use fog as a medium in art during the 1970’s and continues to work in that medium. Her environmental sculptures are part-installation, part performance and explore the relationship between humans and nature. 1-6-8-Goken-cho, Mito, Ibaraki at Mito Station. Go to www.arttowermito.or.jp/gallery_en/gallery01.
Tokyo Opera city Art Gallery has the following shows. “Tsuyoshi Tane: Archaeology of the Future – Digging & Building” through Dec. 24, 2018. “Naoki Ishikawa: Capturing the Map of Light on This Planet” is a survey of this Japanese photographer’s work on view from Jan. 12 – March 24, 2018. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo,Japan. +81- (0) 3-5353-0756.
Fukuzawa Ichiro was one of many Japanese artists who traveled extensively abroad in the early twentieth century with a seven year stint in Paris where he was influenced by Max Ernst and other Surrealists. In his painting and writing, he was a vigorous supporter of avant garde movements on his return. Almost ninety works in this retrospective attest to his transcultural range full of social critique and humor. National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. March 12 – May 26, 2019. 1-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. +81 3-5777-8600.
Miho Museum in Shiga. “100 Modern Tea Scoops – Connoisseurship and Society” on view through Dec. 2, 2018.
“New Wave: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1980’s” on view through Jan. 20, 2019. The National Museum of Art, Osaka. 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan. +81-3-3212-2485.
“Foujita: A Retrospective – Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his Death” on view through Dec.16, 2018. Foujita was a Japanese artist who traveled to Paris in the 1900’s attracted by the European art scene. When he arrived he knew nobody but in short order acquainted himself with Modigliani, Pascin, Soutine, Leger, Gris, Picasso and Matisse. This show looks at his entire career’s work. The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto. 26-1 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. Go to www.momak.go.jp/English for details.
Kawai Kanjiro was one of the original members of the Mingei (Japanese folk art movement) and his ceramics have a rustic beauty and charm. Through Dec. 9, 2018. The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo at 4 Kamitachikui Konda-cho, Sasayama, Hyogo. Go to www.mcart.jp.
“The Fruit and Vegetable in East Asian Painting” looks at the symbolic use of fruit and vegetable imagery in East Asian painting that dates back to Song Dynasty China and also became popular in Japan and Korea. This exhibit covers the period fron the 16th century to today and features masterpieces by Go Shun and Ito Jakuchu. Sen-oku Hakuto Kan in Kyoto through Dec. 9, 2018. Go to www.sen-oku.or.jp/kyoto for details.
Kichizaemon Raku is the 15th head of the respected Raku family of tea bowl craftsmen. He found a indred spirit and inspiration in the the work of the eccentric abstract painter Wols. His work is featured alongside some of the work by Wols that inspired him. The result are artworks as tea bowls rather than artistic tea bowls. “Raku Kichizaemon x Wols” on view through March 31, 2019 at the Sagawa Art Museum. Go to www.sagawa-art-museum.or.jp for details.
“Mingei: Another Kind of Art” is a group show showing objects of the Japanese folk art movement accompanied by videos of production processes and interviews with their creators. Through Feb. 24, 2019. 21_21 Design Sight: Tokyo Midtown Garden. Go to www.2121designsight.jp for details.
“Make A Joyful Noise” is a permanent exhibit where you can view, hear, touch and play instruments from around the world. Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments. 3-9-1 Chuo, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. O53-451-1128.
Performing Arts
“Dragon Mama” by dynamic playwright/performer/director Sara Porkalob is the second installment of her trilogy “The Dragon Cycle” devoted to the women in her family. In this second section, Porkalob’s mother’s life in Bremerton with gangsters, ghosts and queer love plus a sizzling R & B soundtrack is brought to life. Through Dec. 8, 2018. 18th & Union at 1406 – 18th Ave. 206-937-6499 or go to http://18thandunion.org.
Degenerate Art Ensemble presents special guest artist, violinist/composer Eddy Kwon from Cincinnati in an intimate house concert on Dec. 19, 2018 at 8pm. The Ensemble will also preview some new songs for an upcoming project in collaboration with Eddy. Kwon is a composer-performer, musician and community-based teaching artist and a 2016 US Artists Ford Fellow. For a preview, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgflaTe_IDk.1611 1st Ave. N. Suggested donation of $10 yo cover Eddy’s travel fund. No one will be turned away.
UW School of Drama presents “Fefu And her Friends” by Maria Irene Fornes. It will be directed by UW Professor Valerie Curtis Newton and features an all-female cast. This production is the master’s thesis for scenic designer Wenzheng Zhang. Second year MFA design student Chen Yen Huang is handling the lighting design. Runs through Dec. 9, 2018. At Meany Studio Theatre in the Seattle campus UW Red Square. 4040 George Washington Lane NE. 206-543-4880 for tickets.
The Meany Center For The Performing Arts – Looking forward to the 2018/2019 season, look out for the following. Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq returns to Seattle on Feb. 8, 2019. Her vocal improvisations bridge traditional roots with contemporary culture, stirring in punk, metal and electronics. Time for Three is a ground breaking string trio that transcends tradition as well by mixing elements of pop and rock into their classical foundation. They perform on April 18, 2019. Yekwon Sunwoo won the Gold Medal at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He makes his Seattle debut in a program of Schumann, Liszt, Beethoven and Schubert. One performance only on Sat., May 4, 2019 at 7:30pm. All tickets now available as part of a Meany Center subscription package and remaining single tickets go on sale on August 1, 2018. You can order online at meanycenter.org or call 206-543-4880 or visit the ticket office at 41st Street between University Way NE & Brooklyn Ave. NE. tickets available via FAX too at 206-685-4141.
Conductor Ludovic Morlot ends his 2018/2019 tenure with the Seattle Symphony with a varied and stimulating series of concerts. Some highlights include noted soprano Yasko Sato who is featured in Seattle Symphony’s performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Dec. 28 – 30, 2018. At the Taper auditorium. The annual “Celebrate Asia” concert is back on Jan. 27, 2019 at 4pm in Taper Auditorium. The theme this year is Korea. The orchestra will be led by highly touted conductor Shiyeon Sung known for finding the right balance between dynamic passion and even handed music making. Pianist Seong-Jin Chao won the Gold Medal at the Chopin International Competition and has never looked back. He will be a featured soloist. Soprano Kathleen Kim is a regular guest at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera and will grace the stage with her beautiful voice. The program consists of work by John Adams, Rachmaninov, Narong Prangcharoen, Unsuk Kim and traditional Korean folk songs. Taper Auditorium. The Silkroad Ensemble (featured in a documentary film) returns with the world premiere of Kinan Azmeh’s clarinet concerto, composer/pianist Vijay Iyer’s “City of Sand”, Edward Perez’s “Latina 6/8 Suite” and a world premiere by noted composer Chen Yi. Wed., Feb. 6 at 7:30pm in the Taper Auditorium. Pianist Jessica Choe performs with Seattle Symphony with a live score performed with the screening of the film “Amadeus” on Feb. 22 at 8pm and Feb. 23 at 8pm. Avi Avital is a mandolin virtuoso who leads a group with Jessica Choe on piano through a fresh interpretation of Vivaldi and Telemann on Friday, May 3 at noon & 8pm and Sat., May 4 at 8pm. A Family Concert Series program entitled “Carnival Of The Animals” takes place on Sat. May 4 at 11am , 2018 with Pablo Rus Broseta conducting and Hannah Song on violin, Kristy Park on cello, Jessica Choe on piano and Elizabeth Morgan on piano. A Brahms Concerto Festival 1 takes place on Thursday, May 9 at 7:30pm featuring Zee Zee on piano. All concerts at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. Go to seattlesymphony.org for details.
On Dec. 8, 2018, catch UW Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist: Ganesh Rajagopalan on violin in a concert of “Traditional and Modern Music of South India. On Seattle’s UW campus at the School of Music Building. More details at www.music.washington.edu or call the ArtsUW Ticket Office at 206-543-4880.
Seattle Pro Musica specializes in the performance and promotion of modern and ancient choral music under the direction of artistic director Karen Thomas. They present a concert entitled “Pacific Voices – Choral Music by Asian and Asian American Composers” on Sat., March 9, 2019 at 7:30pm at Seattle First Baptist Church at 1111 Harvard Ave. in Seattle and again on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 7:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church at 6215 196th St. WW in Lynnwood, WA. Composers performed are Hyo-Won Woo, Sungji Hong, Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Budi Susanto Yohanes, Victor Paranjoti and A. R. Rahman of “Slumdog Millionaire” fame. Advance tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets or you could get them online at seattlepromusica.org.
Early Music Seattle brings the highly praised Bach Collegium Japan with legendary conductor Masaaki Suzuki to Bastyr University Chapel. They will bring the best of the Baroque period to life. The program features harmonic inspirations from Vivaldi, Handel’s motet Slete Venti with soprano Joann Lunn and French-inspired dances by Bach. Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 at 7:30pm. 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E. in Kenmore, WA. Free Parking. 206-325-7066 or earlymusicseattle.org.
Taproot Theatre’s all ages holiday tradition continues with their staging of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Nov. 29 – Dec. 27, 2018. Steven Tran is part of the cast in the role of Schroeder. Tickets available at taproottheatre.org or call 206-781-9707. 204 N. 45th St. in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle.
The Fremont Abbey presents the following concerts –Bay-area based Cynthia Lin brings her vocals and ukulele to the Fremont Abbey for a concert and strum-along. Her recording “Ukulele Days” hit the world music and Billboard charts. She performs on Dec. 15, 2018 at 7:30pm. 4272 Fremont Ave. N. 206-414-8325.
Marginal Consort is a Japanese collective improvisation group founded by members of East Bionic Symphonia, an outfit assembled from students of Fluxus artist Takehisa Kosugi’s (who worked with choreographer Merce Cunningham) class at the radical Bigaku School of Aesthetics in Tokyo in the 1970s. Meeting once a year since 1996 to collaborate, they discuss nothing beforehand, preferring to gather as a collective of horizontally organized independent solos rather than a cohesive goal-oriented ensemble. On Jan. 25 – 26, 2019 they gather in Seattle as part of The Sound Histories Festival (Jan. 24 – 27). They have a performance set for Fri., Jan. 25 and then a workshop set for Sat., Jan. 26, 2018. Times will be announced in the Fall of 2018. Organized in collaboration with PUSH Festival in Vancouver and Portland Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA). Seattle appearances will be at On The Boards (OTB). 100 Roy St. For information on the entire OTB season, go to ontheboards.org/1819-season. For tickets, call the Box Office at 206-217-9886×1019. Hours are Tues. – Fri. from 12 – 4pm.
“Beyond Ideas” is the title of Artswest’s 2018-2019 season. Some highlights include David Henry Hwang’s “M. Butterfly” set for January 24 – Feb. 17, 2019, Julia Cho’s “Office Hour” May 2 – May 26, 2019 and Justin Huertas’s musical, “The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion” June 20 – July 28, 2019.Learn more details about the entire new season at artswest.org. Artswest is located in West Seattle at 4711 California Ave. SW.
Zakir Hussain makes his annual visit to Seattle with his always compelling “Masters of Percussion” ensemble featuring some world-class musicians. Set for April 2, 2019 at the Moore Theatre. Presented by STG Presents. 206-812-1114.
The “Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour” with vocalist Ceceile McLorin Salvant headlining makes a stop in Seattle on April 7, 2019 at the Moore with a top roster of diverse, international talent including Yasushi Nakamura on bass. 206-467-5510.
Canadian playwright Ins Choi’s award-winning family comedy “Kim’s Convenience” (CBS television adaption was recently added to Netflix) comes to Taproot Theatre’s 2019 season titled “Family Ties”. On Stage May 15 – June 22, 2019 as co-directed by Scott Nolte and David Hsieh. A Korean Canadian family learns to live with their own faults, get along and forge ahead in this heartwarming comedy about the foibles and blessings of family. Go to taproottheatre.org for tickets. 204 N. 85th St, in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. 206-781-9705.
Indian composer Reena Esmail presents compositions merging Western techniques with traditional Hindustani instrumentation and musical themes. She brings a newly commissioned piano trio composition with Joshua Roman, David Fung and Kristin Lee. May 21, 2019 at 7:30pm.1119 Eighth Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Closing Café Nordo’s 10th Season of supper-club musicals is “7th & Jackson” written by the multi-talented Sara Porkalob and set for July, 2019. Three Seattle friends haunt the speakeasys listening to jazz before WW II and share a dream to open a night club of their own. When the bombing of Pearl Harbor and rising WWII tensions tear apart homes, the friends separate but never lose sight of their dreams. Café Nordo is at 109 South Main. Go to www.cafenordo.com to find out more about their new season and how you can get tickets.
Edmonds Center for the Arts has the following set for 2019. Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs live with the Ahn Trio on stage, “Red Firecrackers: The Legend of the First Chinese New Year” on Feb. 23 at 11am and again on Feb. 23 at 7:30pm. Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar performs on April 24, 2019 at 7:30pm. 410 Fourth Ave. N. 425-275-9595.
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma presents the following events at various venues. Their info # is 253-591-5894. Ukelele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro plays Pantages Theatre at 901 Broadway on Sat., Feb. 2, 2019 at 7:30pm. Symphony Tacoma presents “Beyond The Silk Road” on Sat., Feb. 23, 2019 at 7:30pm at Pantages Theatre. Broadway Center presents sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar on Sun., April 28, 2019 at 7:30pm. Also at the Pantages Theatre.
In Portland, catch these acts from Asia in 2018/2019. The Silkroad Ensemble plays the Newmark on Feb. 4, 2019 at 7:30pm. KODO, the exciting taiko group from Japan plays Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Feb. 5, 2019 at 7:30pm. 909 SW Washington. 503-228-1353 or try [email protected]. The Beijing Modern Dance Theater founded in 2008 by Wang Yuanyuan bring Chinese modern dance to the stage on Feb. 20, 2019 at 7:30pm at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall at 909 SW Washington.
Pork-Filled Players has two projects coming up. “Unleashed – New Pulp Stories For the 21st Century” features new genre plays from playwrights of color in an ongoing series of staged readings throughout the year.
Macha Theatre Works announces their 2018-2019 season of fearless female theatre, one a Northwest Premiere and one, a World Premiere. “Veils” written by Tom Coash and directed by Lia Sima Fakhouri and starring Fathiya Ritter and Alaji is set is Cairo as two friends debate assumptions of Muslim culture during an early Arab Spring. It runs Nov. 30 – Dec. 16 at West of Lenin at 203 N. 36th St. The second production is the World Premiere of “Sheathed”, written by local playwright Maggie Lee and directed by Macha Artistic Director Amy Poisson. A tale of an unlikely friendship texted by the bonds of honor and the terrible price of forgiveness. Movement Choreographer Alyza Delpan-Monley and Fight Choreographer May Nguyen Lee complete the production team. “Sheathed” runs from March 8 – 23, 2019 at Theatre Off Jackson at 409 – 7th Ave. S. For tickets and information, go to www.machatheatreworks.com/tickets or call 608-909-1252 or email [email protected].
Chong the Nomad is a local Seattle hip hop/beatbox artist of Indonesian descent. She shares an album with Stas THEE Boss on the local Crane City Music label.
You can get advance tickets now for both the Winter and Spring “Saturday University Lecture Series” at Seattle Art Museum. “Roots of Culture: Essential Plants of Asia” is the Winter program and “Trans Plants: Collecting, Gathering and Globalizing Plants” is set for Spring. Go to tickets.seattleartmuseum.org for tickets.
Degenerate Art Ensemble’s latest performance of dance, theater, live music and cinematic video entitled “Skeleton Flower” premieres its first full production at Seattle’s Erickson Theater (across from Seattle Central Community College) from Feb. 13 – 16, 2019. Also released at the same time will be the audio cd and a virtual reality film made with VR filmmaker Mischa Jakupcak and Zoo Break Productions. Shows at 7pm with a 9:30pm show added on Friday and Saturday. The story is autobiographic and draws on the dancer’s experience as a survivor of personal and ancestral trauma and how art becomes the healer. 1524 Harvard Ave. For more details, go to http://www.degenerateartensemble.com.
Of the inaugural first draft commissions from the 5th Avenue Theatre’s “First Draft Raise Your Voice” Summit, many have an Asian or Asian American source. After each group is given one year to prepare, they will get a one week reading with a final presentation in New York City that showcases that work to people in the industry. First Draft Commissions this year included the following – Emily Chiu (music & lyrics) with Lauren Taslitz (books & lyrics) for “Bha Zhang”. The story of a Taiwanese American woman who embarks on a journey to track down her late grandmother’s special recipe among her family and friends. “Miss Step” by Kit Yan (book & Lyrics) with Melissa Li (book, music & lyrics). The story revolves around an unremarkable transgender woman who discovers her late estranged father’s passion for competitive aerobics. Determined to get closer to the father she never really knew, she cobbles together a group of trans friends to compete in the regional finals with her. But to win, she must defeat her old high school nemesis. “Half the Sky” by Tidtaya Sinutoke (music) with Isabella Dawis (book & lyrics) tells the story of a Thai American woman who sets out to fulfill her dream of climbing Mt. Everest. Go to www.5thavenue.org for details.
Korean tenor Yosep Kang has the role of Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Boheme” set for Feb. 14 – 24 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, BC. Orchestra is conducted by Judith Yan who will be making her Vancouver premiere. Call 604-683-0222 for tickets.
Seattle-raised composer Paul Chihara has been commissioned by The Royal Scottish Orchestra to compose a work for speaker and orchestra based on the words of politicians of the early years of WWII when the U.S. government rounded up and incarcerated people of Japanese descent. Chihara who spent his early childhood in Minidoka has composed “A Matter of Honor” (taken from Senator Daniel Inoyue’s words) which encompasses Big Band songs, Japanese pre-war pop songs and classical music all heard in the internment camp. The libretto composed with Jennifer Fagre includes the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Earl Warren and General John De Witt. The piece receives its premiere on March 22, 2019 in Edinburgh. Its American premiere takes place April 3, 2019 in Los Angeles at Soka University.
K-pop star Amber Liu, a member of the girl group FCX is a Chinese American singer/songwriter born and raised in L.A. But it took a South Korean label to launch her career in FCX. Now she’s determined to have a solo career of her own in the U.S. “Rogue Rogue” is her six-song ep debut which came out on Sound Cloud in April.
In Europe the Genandhous Quartet, a classical string quartet in existence since 1808 has its first female member. Assocciate Concertmaster Yun-Jin Cho is now its second violinist.
Yabin Wong is a modern choreographer, dancer and actress who has pioneered modern dance in China by blending Chinese classical and contemporary dance. Her work first came to light in the West at a 2010 American Dance Festival. Since then her work has been seen in Europe and America as well as China. She had the U.S. premiere of her “Moon Opera” recently in Pittsburgh which opened on Nov. 3, 2018.
American classical violinist Anne Akiko Meyers has a new recording out entitled “Mirror in Mirror – Works by Ciupinski, Corigliano, Glass, Lauridsen, Part, Ravel” (Avie Recrods). It features a newly commissioned composition by Jakub Ciupinski who combines electronics with acoustic instruments in “Edo Lullaby” based on a Japanese melody the violinist remembered from childhood.
After 18 years, Yip Wing-Sie will relinguish her post as music director of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta in 2020.
Slack key guitar master Cyril Pahinui died recently. He was 68. He learned to play by watching his father, legendary Slack-Key guitar pioneer “Gabby” Pahinui play music in the backyard with a circle of friends. He played with his brothers and father in a family band, the Sandwich Isle Band and the Peter Moon Band. He also had a distinguished solo career, racking up numerous Hoku Awards and a 2017 NEA National Heritage Fellowship.
Film & Media
A new documentary film on the Shanghai String Quartet, a respected international string quartet for 35 years is in th works. It’s called “Behind The Strings.”
“Shirkers” is a new documentary film by Sandi Tan that looks into the story of a lost film made by childhood friends in Singapore that was stolen by an unscrupulous mentor and the story of its recovery. Now on Netflix.
Upcoming films at Northwest Film Forum include – Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning” looks at a love triangle based on a story by Haruki Murakami and won a prize at Cannes. Screens Dec. 7 – 14, 2018. The award-winning PBS documentary film by Tiffany Hsiung entitled “the Apology” follows the lives of three survivors of the WWII era Japanese military sexual slavery/enforced prostitution trade known as the “comfort women” system. It has a free screening on Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 at 2pm with a post-film discussion with historian Dr. Chong Eun Ahn and anthropologist Dr. Tomini Yamaguchi plus local activists. Dec. 14 – 16 brings “People’s Republic of Desire” which looks at China’s live streaming industry and how it has become a moneymaking venture for media personalities across the country. Director Hao Wu will do a Q & A at the Dec. 14 & 15 screenings. Chor Yuen directs “Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan” which is a story of an innocent girl sold to a brothel who learns the secrets of a deadly kung fu from her madame only to turn the tables and gain revenge on her. Screens on Dec. 19, 2018 at 7:30pm. Go to nwfilmforum.org for advance tickets. Northwest Film Forum is located at 1515 12th Ave. on Capitol Hill.
GKIDS presents the U.S. debut of Mamoru Hosoda’s “Mirai”, the latest feature animated film from this 10-time Tokyo Anime Award-winning director who gave us “The Boy And The Beast”, “Wolf Children”, “Summer Wars” and “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”. Dec. 8 at 12:55pm (dubbed). Voices for the dubbed version will include John Cho, Rebecca Hall and Daniel Dae Kim. Go to gkids.com for details or buy at your local box office.
A rare early Indian film by Himansu Rai and Franz Ostan entitled “A Throw Of Dice” in which two kings gamble for a woman was shot in 1920s Rajasthan. It screens on Sun., Jan. 13 at 2pm with a new music score. Seattle Art Museum auditorium downtown. $10 or SAM members, $5.
GKIDS and Fanthom Events will usher in the American premiere of a new biopic on famed film director/animator Hayao Miyazaki of Ghibli Studios. At the age of 72, Miyazaki announced his retirement but his restless, inventive mind forced him to reconsider. He started a short film entitled “Boro The Caterpillar”, this time using CGI, a process new to him. “Never Ending Man: Hiyao Miyazaki” covers this period. It will screen on Dec. 13 at 7:30pm and Dec. 18, 2018 at 7:30pm subtitled in English. For a complete list of theatre locations and tickets, visit www.FanthomEvents.com and www.NeverEndingMan.com.
The 14th annual “Children’s Film Festival Seattle” returns Jan. 24, 2019 – Feb. 9, 2019 to the Northwest Film Forum. More than 150 films from 40+ countries will be screened. A program of all Japanese-language shorts presented in association with Tokyo’s KINEKO Children’s Film Festival. Full festival schedule and ticket links will be posted after Dec. 5, 2018. Go to www.childrensfilmfestival.org for details.
GKIDS and Fanthom Events announce the U.S. debut of the animated anthology “Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films” which include “Kanini & Kanino”, “Life Ain’t Gonna Lose” and “Invisible”. The first film is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (“When Marnie Was There”, “The Witch’s Flower”). The second film is directed by oshiyuki omose, key animator for Isao Takahata’s films at Studio Ghibli. “Invisible” is the directorial debut of AkihikoYamashita, another Studio Ghibli animator. The film screens on Jan. 10, 2019 at 7pm (English dubbed version) and again on Jan 12, 2019 12:55pm (Japanese version). For local venues, go to www.FanthomEvents.com or www.ModestHeroesFilm.com.
SIFF Uptown hosts a Saturday Morning Cartoon program with coffee & donuts and a post film discussion, All ages welcome. Some films to look forward to in this series include the following – Award-winning anime director Mamoru Hosoda is back with his latest feature “Mirai” in which an older sister and younger brother must journey through time and the future to reunite. Feb. 23, 2019. With voices by John Cho and Daniel Dae Kim. “Window Horses: The poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming” is a story that tells what happens when a young Canadian poet of Iranian/Chinese ancestry leaves her sheltered Vancouver BC home to perform at a poetry festival in Iran. It’s her first trip abroad and what will she discover. Screens March 30, 2019. Voices provided by Sandra Oh, Ellen Page and and Shohreh Aghdashloo.511 Queen Anne N. 206-324-9996.
Robin Lung’s documentary film “Finding Kukan” which looks at a forgotten Chinese American woman filmmaker played at SIFF a couple years ago. It is now available for streaming on many public library systems around the country (including Seattle) via the KANOPY system.
The Programming Director of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival set for January 2019 is Kim Yutani. We’ll have reviews from the festival early next year but meanwhile, here are a few films to look out for. Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” stars Awkwafina as a headstrong Chinese American woman who returns to China when her grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis. ”Hala” is by director/screenwriter Minhal Baig and looks at a Muslim teenager that comes into her own just as her family life begins to unravel. “One Child Nation” by Nanfu Wong & Jialing Zhang is a documentary film that uncovers the untold story of China’s one-child policy and the generations of parents and children it affected. “We Are Little Zombies” by director and screenwriter Makoto Nagahisa tells the story of four 13 year olds who lose their parents and channel their sad emotions into forming a kickass band. “Late Night” by Nisha Ganatra tells the story of a late-night talk show host whose world is upended when she hires her only female staff writer. Stars Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson. “Photograph” by director/screenwriter Ritesh Batra looks at a struggling street photographer in Mumbai who is pressured to marry by his grandmother only to find out how his life changes when the shy stranger he convinces to pose as his fiancé and him develop a strange connection. “Ms. Purple” directed by Justin Choi looks at a karaoke hostess who reconnects with her estranged brother as their single father nears death. High-tech China clashes with blue-collar America as a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in blue-collar America in Post-industrial Ohio in a new documentary by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert.
Director Park Chan-Wook’s first TV project is his adaptation of John Le Carre’s spy thriller “The little Drummer Girl” for BBC 1. It stars Florence Pugh, Alexander Skarsgard and Michael Shannon and has been garnering good reviews.
In the 1970’s, photo journalist/photographer W. Eugene Smith with his wife Aileen documented a case of mercury-poisoning that affected thousands of people in Southern Japan. The area was devasted by pollution caused by mercury-tainted water dumped into the sea by chemical maker Chisso Corporation. Their book on the subject alerted the world to this crisis. Now there will be a movie made on this subject by Andrew Levitas. American actor Johnny Depp has signed to play the role of Smith. Production will start in Japan and later in Serbia come January.
At the recent Chinese language version of the Oscars called the Golden Horse Awards, documentary filmmaker Fu Yue who won an award for best documentary in her acceptance speech called for Taiwan to be recognized as an “independent entity.” Her speech was quickly censored on Chinese television and streams and the screen blacked out.
The Written & Spoken Arts
Noted modern classical conductor Kent Nagano whose book “Erwarten Sie Wunder” was published in German will have an English version out on McGill-Queen’s University Press next year. The English title is “In Classical Music: Expect the Unexpected” and it recalls the conductor’s own deeply personal engagement with the masterpieces and great composers of classical music he had encountered in his illustrious career.
Open Books has the following events –
A group reading with poets Geneve Chao, Wendy Chin-Tanner, Sarah Mangold & Jane Wong is set for March 17, 2019 at 4:30pm. Open Books is a poetry only bookstore located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood at 2414 N. 45th St. 206-633-0811.
Elliott Bay Book Company continues to sponsor readings in their Capitol Hill bookstore as well as co-producing events all over the city. Below you will find a partial listing of some of their events. Events are at the bookstore located at 1521 Tenth Ave. unless otherwise noted. Seattle First Baptist Church at 1111 Harvard at Union. “Civic Saturday” with community organizer/author Eric Liu & Friends takes place on Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 at 10:30pm (doors open at 10am). Free. At Impact Hub located at 220 2nd Ave. S. in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Go to www.citizenuniversity.us. Jay Rubin, former UW professor, English translator of author Haruki Murakami and author will introduce his newly translated anthology “The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories” (with an introduction by Murakami himself) on Tues., Dec. 11, 2018 at 7pm at the book store.
Town Hall & Phinney Neighborhood Association presents Marc Freedman who will be talking with local Seattle community organizer/author Eric Liu on the topic of “How To Live Forever” on Dec. 10, 2018 at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm). 6532 Phinney Ave. N. in Seattle.
Hugo House, that venerated Northwest center for writers and poets re-opens in brand-new digs with expanded space but in the same location. Catch the following readings and celebrate their new space. Also with the opening of the new Hugo House, the writing center rolls out a new series of classes/workshops with a varied number of subjects taught by a talented group of writers like Nisi Shawl, Sonora Jha, R. O. Kwon, Anne Liu Kellor, Michelle Penaloza, Richard Chiem, Diana Xin, Anglela Garbes, Lora Shinn, Aimee Bhausar and Shankar Narayan. Hugo House also rolls out their annual “Write-O-Rama” on December 8 in which participants can try out four different class settings in five hours. It’s a way for those unfamiliar with what Hugo House offers to sample the goods. Call it a writing sampler. Try [email protected] for more details. To sign up, go to strangertickets.org. 1634 – 11th Ave.
Seattle Arts & Lectures returns with their always stimulating series of writers, poets and a new journalism series. As part of the “Women You Need To Know” series, award-winning writer & director of the Women’s Media Center Speech Project, Soraya Chemaly comes on Jan. 31, 2019 to speak about her new book entitled “Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger.” As part of the Poetry Series, acclaimed poet Kimiko Hahn will come April 25, 2019 for a program entitled “Poems For The Planet” which will include her and a group of friends. It’s a celebration of both Earth Day & National Poetry Month with eco-poetics as a mode of creative resistance. Visit or call for more information at 206-621-2230×10 or lectures.org.
UWALUM.COM/GOLECTURES present their Autumn 2018 series of Public Lectures. Some highlights include –In the “Simpson Center/Katz Distinguished Lectures In The Humanities”, Jordanna Bailkin, Professor of History, UW addresses the topic of “Unsettled: Citizens, Migrants and Refugees in British History” on Dec. 6, 2018 at 7pm in Kane Hall 210 on the Seattle UW campus. All lectures are free and located on the UW campus unless otherwise noted. Register now to attend by going to UWALUM.COM/GOLECTURES or by calling 206-543-0540.
Tasveer and Elliott Bay Books present “Tasveer Reads: South Asian Lit Fest” on Sat., Jan 12 & 19 at 2pm. Discussions with writers from South Asian diasporas are featured in this festival. Seattle Art Museum downtown in Plestcheeff Auditorium. Visitsam.org/tickets or call 206-654-3210.
Sigrid Nunez’s book “The Friend” about a woman grieving the loss of her literary mentor as she inherits his mourning dog took the Fiction Award at the National Book Awards. Yoko Tawada’s “The Emissary” as translated by Margaret Mitsutani won in the new category of “Best Translated Literature”. It is set in Japan after a mysterious disaster. Seattle’s own Karen Maeda Allman of Elliott Bay Book Company served on the jury for this new category.
UW Press will reprint and reissue “Aiiieeeee!”, the groundbreaking anthology of Asian American literature in 2019 on its 45th anniversary along with an e-book version. There are plans for a digital website of “Aiiieeeee!” archival material as well by University of Oregon Professor Tara Fickle.
News/Opportunities
Former NEA Director Jane Chu has been hired as an arts advisor for PBS whose focus on the arts is growing.
Friends of Asian Art Association is an all-volunteer organization that connects its members and the community to educations, cultural and social events tied to Asia and its diverse art forms and culture. Enjoy year-round activities and meet new friends who share similar interests by becoming a member. All are welcome to the activities but members get special discounts and perks. Go to [email protected] for details.