Nikka Yuko – Re:Turning the Stories is a multidisciplinary exhibition that runs until Aug. 23 at The Gallery at Casa.
The free exhibit features works by 42 artists who have engaged in a year-long exploration of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.
The exhibition launched June 14, but the project started a year ago after Curator and Gallery Services Manager Darcy Logan released a call for submissions and asked community artists to participate in the project.
“They had 12 months to develop their work in their studios and bring it all together at Casa for the exhibition,” Logan notes.
In 2004, when Logan was the curator at the Bowman Arts Centre, he did an exhibition about the Japanese Garden that invited artists to go in and paint and draw. “I was at the Nikka Yuko Bunka Centre two years ago and they have this booth you can go in and share your recollections, so I went in, and I talked about the fact I did this exhibition years ago,” Logan explains.
After sharing his story, the Nikkei Memory Capture Project reached out to talk to Logan about bringing the exhibition back, but in a way that focused on the stories of those of Japanese descent living in southern Alberta.
Logan thought it was important to share those stories and narratives with the community.
The Capture Project notes by “returning the stories,” we acknowledge the layered past, give voice to the present and participate in the co-creation of shared histories.
With the new exhibit, there’s a real spectrum of artistic approaches to the art on display, adds Logan. “Some artists were just interested in dealing with the Japanese Garden, as an interesting site to paint and draw through to people sharing heartfelt stories of their experiences or the experiences of their parents.”
Visitors will get a broader understanding of the history of this area, as well as see a variety of artworks in all media – from painting and drawing through to video and textiles.
“It’s a really enriching experience and a real celebration of local artists,” says Logan.
(Photo submitted by Casa)
