janm

Smithsonian Exhibition travels to JANM. It’s an amazing feat for the Smithsonian to have an Asian American exhibition like this, but for it to travel? Even better. See it while you can in LA.

“Portraiture Now displays the diversity of contemporary Asian American identity through the groundbreaking work of seven visual artists—CYJO, Zhang Chun Hong, Hye Yeon Nam, Shizu Saldamando, Roger Shimomura, Satomi Shirai, and Tam Tran.” (JANM – Portraiture Now)

I was in teacher mode for the second time in a month. This time, I was in Orange County to a room of 30 or so kids ranging from 6 to middle school. Why not show them that custom figures can be art? From the first time out teaching, I learned that there’ll be one who can’t get a start. How do you overcome this? I asked her some question and get negative answers. “No, I can’t do that, no I don’t like that.” My trick was to get her holding a pen. I told her to start by writing her name on the bottom and coloring the base of the figure a solid color. Next thing I knew, she was off to the races. Of course at the end, I said, “good job, it came out fine.” And she said, “no, it’s not.” But I came back with, “I think so” and split out before she could reply negatively. The styles ranged from coloring clean to abstract assembly – most of the works was in a style that I couldn’t fathom. Somehow this project was green lit and disguised as part of a “career day.” Yes, someone or a few among this bunch will go on and do art and maybe they’ll remember custom figures too.

I think the figure below has the cutest cat face ever. Who taught this kid how to do the eyes like this? …and green nose? Love it. I could go on about the goodnesses of each piece. There’s something in all of them that I like. Well, most of them, even from the one who couldn’t get a start.

Thanks Kizuna, DKE, OCBC and JANM.

Tons of kids, each with a custom figure.

See how tiny the girl in orange with the pink glasses is? She’s 6 and did a great job with her figure.

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The JANM Gala Dinner is an annual event. In 2006, I received a Visionary in the Art award and since then it’s been 3 Biennale Exhibition and a Zen Garage show along with some fun events. Yet, it’s not that much. Last night honored the late Daniel Inouye, the highest ranking politician who was Asian American. Along with him, 2012 was a tough year for Japanese Americans and the night honored them too. The thing about their great accomplishments isn’t about their “day jobs” that’s what they did 9-5. It’s the huge list of things they’ve done outside of it. That’s where they shined.

The silent auction included special lunch with George Takei. That would be fun no matter what.

Norman Mineta, Greg Kimura, and Gordon Yamate. Thanks much for the work, y’all and thanks Gordon Yamate. Glad I didn’t drink the vodka.

What seems like bean soup is actually the bean soup that Daniel Inouye used to eat. It’s the actual recipe for the soup from DC. Evidently, he’d invite people to eat bean soup with him if you donated a certain amount to a certain place. It was nice to have it with him. A great idea for the night if you think about it.

After party shenanigans. That’s a silhouette of Edwin Ushiro waving against a projected photo of… Edwin Ushiro waving.  Photo from GR Biennale 3

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From left to right: JANM: Supernatural Tim Watters, Edwin Ushiro, Greg Kimura, and Audrey Kawasaki

Great exhibition.

Holy crap! I got to see Bad Religion at The Echo. And Quicksand back together. And FIDLAR for free. But first things first. Last week was the closing of the Giant Robot Biennale 3 at JANM, where I got to see my friend (and rad artist) Jack Long play with his band, White Dove. (more…)

In Hero Complex of the LA Times. Thanks to Deborah Vankin for writing this piece. (LA Times – GR Biennale) The closing night event is this evening (Jan 17th 6-10pm) and the exhibition closes on sunday (Jan 20th).

There’s also a panel discussion on custom figures on Saturday (Jan 19th) – featuring Luke Chueh, Yoskay Yamamoto, Scott Tolleson, and David Horvath. 3-4pm at JANM.

Photos by Kat Rivera. It was an amazing day. Thanks to the JANM staff for the effort that made so many people smile.

It’s coming. Announced here. Project Remix Panel. Fine Art? Not Quite? What the… check it out. It’s fine art.

I tried to help teach a class of kids at JANM. Using the Big Boss Robot, their job was to make something fun with what materials they had-glue guns, wire, paint, and general junk. All part of the Biennale! It’s hard to talk to High School kids, I could see them peering at me, wondering “wtf does this guy know?” Or perhaps it’s the complete opposite… and them thinking, “wtf do I know…” Either way, I think they listened. Once they got the robots in their hands, they got to work quick.

The connection runs deeply. From Inouye being on the Board to being married to a previous CEO.

LOS ANGELES —DECEMBER 17, 2012—Japanese American National Museum’s statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye:

“The Japanese American community is deeply saddened by this loss,” said Dr. G.W. (Greg) Kimura, President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum. “Senator Daniel K. Inouye is irreplaceable. He embodies the very best of our community and our nation. He fought with valor and distinction on the battlefield and he was a tireless supporter of civil rights and social justice for all Americans. His legacy will live on in the many lives and institutions he touched, like the National Museum, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Irene Hirano Inouye, and their family during this difficult time.”

The holiday celebration continues on Saturday, December 15 with more excitement for the entire family. Enjoy participating in a hands-on art workshop from 2 PM to 4 PM with artists Albert Reyes and Saelee Oh from JANM’s Giant Robot Biennale 3. A special holiday photo opportunity with Japanese American Santa is available from 11 AM to 2 PM, and a special book signing from noon to 2 PM with acclaimed author and Usagi Yojimbo artist, Stan Sakai (signing for books only). Events on Saturday, December 15 are free with Museum admission.

Return of the Giant Robot, and Some Cats. Hopefully it pushes a few more people in the doors at JANM. The exhibition continues through January 20th. (LA Downtown News  - Biennale)

The Target Free Saturday at JANM was a hit drawing 1000 folks. Kids made robots out of cardboard boxes, film canisters, crepe paper, and spare junk parts. Many also learned about comics with Yumi Sakugawa and did some watercolors with Rob Sato.

Free JANM Entrance.

Come make some watercolor paintings with artist Rob Sato! Attendees will learn watercolor texture techniques and how to use masking in this workshop. Materials provided.

Giant Robot Artists’ Entourage Workshop with Rob Sato
is happening in conjunction with JANM’s Target Free Family Saturday: Pop Culture

There is more info at the Giant Robot Facebook event page.

Time Lapse of the mural and installation by Saelee Oh and Deth P Sun. Saelee Oh’s work took days and days, Deth P Sun, 11 hours. Both are amazing to see in person. Music by Goh Nakamura.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUvuSOjq1cY

Deth P Sun Art Available Friday October 5th 12noon PST, it’ll be at this link. There are 360 5″x5″ pieces.

Here’s a voting poll. It’s a popularity contest in the end. If this poll includes “pound for pound” cultural significance, diversity, community building and outreach. I’d cast my vote and say, yes to JANM. (Cityvoter – JANM)

JANM Kokoro Craft Boutique. Congrats. That’s Rodney Kageyama and Tamlyn Tomita below. Rodney was the MC of the day.

People lurk and check out the gear on the tables. The event was fun.

Kat Rivera shows off the bag of buttons she purchased through the vending machine at JANM.

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