Gather

My great aunt, Akiko, was an atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima, where my family is from. Early morning, on August 6th 1945, her oldest sister sent my grandma to their mother’s house outside the city. Akiko was working at the post office and was grabbing something from the basement. When the light blasted, she dove under the closest pile of supplies. The world she came out into was an obliterated city and the only one she saw unharmed. She walked through Hiroshima, barefooted, on a path back home that her mother had once shown if something ever happened. She found a military base, got shoes, food, and tried to rest before continuing her journey home. My grandmother saw the illuminated sky behind her from the train. Their oldest sister was never found. 

This show is inspired by Akiko and my grandmother, Katsue. Growing up, I had clear memories of sitting at our family gatherings, in total amazement of these woman who had seen and experienced horrific things, sitting next to me, laughing as we shared a meal.  It’s something I think of often, especially during challenging and isolating times. 

Those moments with my family now only exist as memories. This collection honors those times along with the hope that no matter how difficult things are or how much may change, there will be a day when we can all gather, laugh, and share a meal together with our loved ones. 

Rare Device, San Francisco CA

September- November 2022