Bellevue Arts Museum Honors the Nikkei Farmers of Bellevue
The Bellevue Arts Museum is currently hosting "Emerging Radiance: Honoring the Nikkei Farmers of Bellevue," an impactful art installation by Seattle artist Michelle Kumata and Creative Director Tani Ikeda. This immersive mural occupies the museum's lobby and aims to commemorate the untold stories of Japanese American farmers in Bellevue, whose experiences have often been overlooked in history. The installation coincides with the 80th anniversary of President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which led to the incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. Visitors can engage with augmented reality filters, allowing them to hear firsthand accounts from the Densho archive, bringing these stories to life through technology. Kumata underscores the significance of this project for younger generations, advocating for a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
The installation will be accessible until March 13, 2022, and is part of a broader initiative presented by multiple community partners, including Meta Open Arts. Through art and storytelling, the exhibition aims to foster remembrance and resilience within the Nikkei community. Kumata's other exhibition, "Regeneration," further explores the legacy of Japanese American incarceration and is on view at Bonfire Gallery until March 26.