Michelle Kumata

What We Carry / O que nós carregamos,  featuring  explores the parallel experiences of the Japanese diaspora in the Pacific Northwest and Brazil. Seen through the lens of Kumata’s multi-faceted family tree, the exhibition explores the dreams and hardships of Nikkei immigrants in search of stability, opportunity and belonging. Link in bio.
Closing Reception: Thursday, July 6, 5-8pm
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm
Show closes July 8.

This project is supported, in part, by a grant from 

Fique quieto (Be Quiet)
2020
Acrylic and pencil on paper
14” x 11”

In 1942, Brazil declared war on Japan. Japanese Brazilians faced curfews, were restricted from travel and gathering, and could not speak the Japanese language in public. Those living on the coast were forcibly relocated with only 24 hours notice. Japanese schools and newspapers were shut down. Japanese Brazilians were arrested, tortured, jailed and deported for no reason, other than being Japanese.

These parents are silenced and suppressed, and to protect their own children, they cover their mouths, contributing to the cycle of racism, oppression and shame. This happened in Brazil and it happened in the U.S. The effects continue to affect the psyche of later generations. Cultural erasure, racism and oppression has a long history, and continues to affect Black, Indigenous and People of Color around the world.

(More in next caption)

A few more works on display at 
Stop by the gallery and look for the notebook that includes full art labels and quotes from interviews and surveys I collected to develop the exhibition.

What We Carry / O que nós carregamos, featuring  explores the parallel experiences of the Japanese diaspora in the Pacific Northwest and Brazil. Link in bio

Artist Talk: Saturday, June 24, 11am 
Closing Reception: Thursday, July 6, 5-8pm
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm

This project is supported, in part, by a grant from 

Sandstorm
Acrylic, paper on wood
14” x 11” x ¾”
2023
Many of the deeper stories of the incarceration experience have been lost with our elders. If our ancestors said anything at all, they only mentioned innocuous details of camp – how it was hot, windy and dusty. Why did they not share their stories and emotions of being forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned? Engulfed in a thick sandstorm, this incarceree can’t see beyond the dust cloud to acknowledge the barbed wire and guard tower of their unjust life.

Buried
Acrylic, paper on wood
14” x 11” x ¾”
2023
This Nisei, second-generation Japanese American, is buried and stuck, only the top of his yellow head is visible above ground, trapped in a barrack. Shibori snowflakes and stars in a clear night sky contrast with the fire and turmoil slowly burning underground. Even though this person is American, they are seen and treated as a foreigner.

Protection
Acrylic, paper on wood
20” x 16” x ¾”
2023
Mother cradles her child, wrapped in an Army blanket in their temporary home in horse stables at the state fairgrounds. She protects her baby from the effects of war, the hatred and racism, creating a camouflage shelter covered with carp, a symbol of strength, courage, patience and perseverance.