Michelle Kumata

There are a few available works from What We Carry / O que nós carregamos   - contact ArtX Contemporary if you are interested.

What We Carry / O que nós carregamos 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. 

Check the link in bio for more info on the show.

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.

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.

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.

Doing a little homework with a treasured resource. Photographer Teresa Tamura’s self-published book, “Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp” (2013), is a deep dive with WWII incarceration survivors through essays, interviews, historic and contemporary photographs.

Tamura grew up in Nampa, Idaho, less than three hours from Minidoka, and only learned about the Japanese American incarceration in college in the late 70s and early 80s. And even after learning about Minidoka, Tamura avoided stopping there, as her parents had never discussed the incarceration with her, and the idea of visiting the site made her feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

The attacks on the World Trade Center Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, prompted Tamura to reflect on the possibility of other ethnic groups being targeted and imprisoned in American concentration camps, and gave Tamura’s photo project about Minidoka (started in March 2001) new relevance. This culminated in a 12-year journey, with a 305-page book featuring 90+ individuals and 180 photos, including Tamura’s poignant portraits and haunting infrared photos of Minidoka.

I'm honored to have a solo exhibition opening Thursday, June 1.

What We Carry / O que nós carregamos, June 1 - July 8, 2023, featuring Michelle Kumata, 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.

Join us for the opening reception during the Pioneer Square Art Walk: Thursday, June 1, 5-8pm

Artist Talk: Saturday, June 24, 11am 

Closing Reception: Thursday, July 6, 5-8pm.

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


512 First Ave South     
Seattle, WA 98104  

Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 5:30pm
Online at artx-contemporary.com

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Thank you for sharing your truth with such sincerity and heart.

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