Miki Hayakawa (1899-1953), Hisako Hibi (1907-1991), and Miné Okubo (1912-2001) were three of the most active and visible female artists of Japanese descent of the pre-World War II generations. Their critically acclaimed careers spanned eight decades and four US states, yet the full extent of their work has been understudied in 20th-century American art history.

Chiura Obata: Layer by Layer presents an in-depth look at the creation and conservation of Chiura Obata’s Horses screen.

During the screen’s 2022 treatment, conservators at Nishio Conservation Studio discovered that the four-paneled screen contained hidden full-scale preparatory charcoal drawings of the horses. In addition, they found that the screen’s internal layers were made of practice drawings by Obata and his summer 1932 students.

Contemporary artist Wu Chi-Tsung was initially trained in Chinese ink painting but turned to experimental photography and video in the early 2000s. His 21st-century interpretations of traditional subjects bring classical East Asian imagery into today's new media. This video piece is inspired by the Bird and Flower painting tradition that has been popular since China's Song Dynasty. By adding slow-moving mist around the beautiful mai flower, Wu animates this subject and creates a calming space for reflection. Visit today to see this moving still life!