Michelle Kumata

There are only a few days left to view What We Carry / O que nós carregamos  🥲💗

Stop by Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11am - 5:30pm, or Thursday, 11a - 8pm. I'll be there for the Closing Reception on First Thursday, July 6, 5-8pm.

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

Healing
Acrylic, paper on wood
20” x 16” x ¾”
2023
Barbed wire flows from the heart, releasing a brilliant shibori firework. The verb “shiboru” means to wring, squeeze and press.” Fabric is twisted, folded, stitched and dyed in this intricate technique, resulting in beautiful, unexpected patterns. Hope flows as we find ways to heal.

Alcançar (Reach)
Acrylic, paper on wood
20” x 16” x ¾”
2023
The woman raises her arms, building strength from snakes and butterflies, as the brilliant blossoms of the Pau Brasil, the national tree of Brazil, dance on the folded fan. The shadows of crown of thorns branches fade behind. What does it mean to be Japanese Brazilian? How does one navigate their own heritage, ethnicity and claim their own identity?

Another peek at the works on display at 

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. 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.

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 

Amerela (Yellow)
Acrylic, paper on wood
14” x 11” x ¾”
2023

The farm laborer’s head is capped with a chrysanthemum, a symbol of Japan. She leaves golden rice grains, moving into lush coffee fields. Her skin is marked with a Japanese fern pattern, a plant that grows and flourishes in Brazil, Japan and the U.S.

“To the Brazilians, they were ‘amerelos’ (yellow), olhos puxados (slant-eyes) or simply Japão (Japan)…The Nikkeijin also associated ‘yellowness’ with themselves.”

“Migrants and Identity in Japan and Brazil: The Nikkeijin” Daniela de Carvalho, 2003, p. 67

Espinos (Thorns)
Acrylic, paper on wood
14” x 11” x ¾”
2023

“The Nikkeijin may be culturally, ethnically and linguistically Brazilian, but very often they are seen as ‘false nationals.’ With the economic success of Japan, the image has altered, but the Nikkeijin are still presented in the Brazilian media as ‘foreigners’ and not as Brazilians.”

“Migrants and Identity in Japan and Brazil: The Nikkeijin” Daniela de Carvalho, 2003, p. 65

I'm thrilled to be a part of “Scanning the Room,” an exciting group show at the Vashon Center for the Arts. Special thanks to June Sekiguchi and Lynann Politte for co-curating this exhibition. Scanning the Room poster art by Paula Onadera Wong.

“Scanning the Room” presents work from 20 Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists that speaks to identity, politics, and sentiment of how an AANHPI artist views their place as the Other in predominantly white spaces.

Featured Artists: Anida Yoeu Ali, Cheryll Leo-Gwin, Eliaichi Kimaro, Erin Shigaki, Hanako O'Leary, Jonathan Wakuda Fischer, June Sekiguchi, Lauren Iida, MalPina Chan, Marialina Wallace,  Michelle Kumata, Miya Sukune, Nari Baker, Paula Onodera Wong, Saya Moriyasu, Soo Hong, Teruko Nimura, Thuy-Van Vu, Trenton Quiocho, and Yoshi Nakagawa. The exhibition's concept was conceived by and exhibition is co-curated with 

To scan a room is an automatic response for many people in the AANHPI community to gauge the racial makeup of a space upon entering. Is it a factor of safety in an environment of increased Asian hate or simply as an observational awareness that is physically, emotionally and psychically increased when navigating spaces that have a majority Caucasian racial makeup. 

This exhibition runs during May, AANHPI month, observed annually in the United States to reflect upon and celebrate the contributions and influence of AANHPI Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S. 

Thank you to exhibition sponsor, and to gallery sponsor Beth deGroen.
See the VCA website link in bio. All the art in “Scanning the Room” is online and will be available for purchase through the VCA online gallery, as well as   

If you plan to visit, please note hours and closures:

Regular Gallery hours:
WED - SUNDAY : 12-5pm

Closed: 
FRIDAY, MAY 12th 
THURSDAY, MAY 18th

Limited Hours & Access:
SATURDAY, MAY 13th:  12noon - 3:30pm

June Sekiguchi at the Gallery:
SUNDAY (Mother’s Day), MAY 14th : 12-2pm 
(we are open Mother’s Day 12-5pm)