♪♪
In the decade before World War Two,
three Issei artists flourished
in Seattle's thriving Nihonmachi, or Japantown.
♪♪
Kenjiro Nomura,
Takuochi Fujii,
and Kamekichi Tokita
received widespread recognition and praise for their paintings,
which provide an intimate view of what the streets,
alleys, storefronts, and houses of their community
look like before the war
and before the mass incarceration
of Japanese American citizens
that changed the face of the neighborhood forever.
♪♪
In America's post-war years,
as the Japanese community struggled
to rebuild their lives,
Tokita, Nomura and Fujii fell into obscurity.
♪♪
But recently, their life stories
and artistic achievements
have been brought back to light.
"Side by Side", the largest exhibition ever
of their paintings from the 1930s,
is a beautiful acknowledgment of the immense skill and talent
of these three important artists.
♪♪
"Side by Side, Nihonmachi Scenes"
by Tokita, Nomura and Fujii
runs now through May 11th, 2025.
Hours and location are at wingluke.org.
♪♪
Catch Art Zone Friday nights at 8 and anytime online at seattlechannel.org/artzone