by Michiko Suzuki: Hope Chests
Above image from the Burnaby Art Gallery website
A few days ago we visited an exciting exhibition of mixed media work at the Burnaby Art Gallery, by artist and friend Michiko Suzuki. I really recommend art critic Robin Laurence’s excellent review in The Straight, much better said than I could. We enjoyed the tent-like displays which invited one to step inside to look at the “hope chests”, the framed prints of the girls, and the video. I could not resist purchasing the attractive little catalogue printed by the BAG. Below is one of the better installation shots that I was able to capture with my modest little pocket camera.
We were very sad to have been unable to attend the opening because we had rarely seen old friends from Ontario visiting just on that day! I’m sure many of our mutual artist friends were there, whom I have missed and would have loved to meet. Michiko and I were part of the long-running Art Institute, Printmaking group at Capilano University, which some readers may recall was shut down along with all art programs in 2013. I recall she was working on some of the first pieces in this series back then and told me recently the whole series took her five years. She is one of the hardest working artists I have ever known personally, and one who has exhibited widely. If interested, you may find some of my postings about them here. (Please ignore the other famous Suzuki that comes up in that search.)
May 31, 2016 in Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Digital printmaking, Other artists by Marja-Leena
Thank you for posting my exhibition”Hope Chest”. Also thank you for visiting the show with your family! I am very much like your comments about the show. Personally, l love your comments better than a critic. Yes, l had been hard working for this project in Capilano University art institute. It was a great and best printmaking place in Vancouver. Last a few works could not make at Cap U, so Cap U had shut down at that time. I made a few prints at outside printing place. Fortunately, l made it! I am appreciate our technician Bonnie who had working at Cap U long time. Anyway, l am happy to show my project at the Burnaby Art Gallery now.
Michiko, I’m so pleased that you like this post. I agree with you about the Art Institute and our wonderful technician Bonnie – how I miss them. Best wishes on your future projects!
I’m so glad you are posting again, Marja-Leena. It is wonderful to learn more about Michiko Suzuki. We are in Seattle but won’t get any farther than La Conner this trip. Maybe we’ll get to Vancouver in July.
Thanks for dropping by, Hattie, and my apologies for the long silence – I have been lazy! Hope to meet in July then.
Thank you Marja-Leena for this, and the link to the review. It is a very interesting subject for exploration, this a thought-provoking way of approaching it.
Only this morning I heard a radio article about the vulnerability of poor Indian girls and women who are being attacked, raped, murdered on the way to use the fields as toilets early in the morning because their village has no toilets.
How bitter-sweet it must have been to see these prints and remember your beloved print studio.
Olga, I’m glad you found this interesting and wish you could see it in person.
I too have seen those articles about Indian girls and women in our media for a few years – so terrible. Also in parts of Africa.
Though I do miss the studio and the friendship, I have gotten used to its loss now after three years. It is probably one reason I’ve become rather lazy in “retirement”…
It’s a wonderfully uplifting exhibit, Marja-Leena. I read and enjoyed the Georgia Straight article and then was delighted to see Michiko had come by to thank you and reminisce about the Capilano Studio. Yes, it’s such a sad thing that place had to shut down despite the extraordinary wealth Vancouver hosts these days.
Good to see you back as well. (**)
I am glad you also enjoyed the review and Michiko’s comments, Susan, and I’m happy to be back here too!