The first permanent art installation on the Arkansas Tech University campus was unveiled during a Homecoming weekend ceremony at the corner of North El Paso Avenue and West O Street in Russellville on Friday, Oct. 4.
The sculpture, entitled “Tsumiki,” was created by Manami Ishimura. She served as the first artist in residence in ATU history during the spring 2019 semester and created “Tsumiki” with support from the Windgate Charitable Foundation.
“Bringing together Chinese, Japanese and Korean influences, and relying on both ancient and modern techniques, this work is an expression of Shingon thought about the relationship between a thing’s parts and it as a whole,” said Dr. Jeff Woods, professor of history at ATU, former dean of the ATU College of Arts and Humanities and one of the key influences in bringing the artist in residence program to Arkansas Tech. “For me, the piece, while recognizing our differences, will always represent what we have in common. That is due to the artist’s intent and my understanding of what went into developing this work. The sculpture is Manami’s, and hers alone, but many people had a role in making this work happen.”
Woods mentioned Summer Bruch, head of the ATU Department of Art; Susan Johnson, administrative assistant in the ATU Department of Art; Dr. Dawn Ward, former head of the ATU Department of Art; Neal Harrington, professor of art and director of the Norman Hall Art Gallery; David Mudrinich, professor of art; Jessica Mongeon, assistant professor of art; Jesse Ring, assistant professor of art; Delton Gordon, associate dean for residence life; Brian Lasey, director of physical plant; Sande Mabry, construction manager; Bernadette Hinkle, vice president for administration and finance; Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president; and the students who contributed to the work as key individuals in bringing “Tsumiki” to reality.
“Thank you, to all of you,” said Woods. “It’s been an amazing experience. Every time I look at it I’ll appreciate how its forms represent the blending of cultures and I’ll remember Manami, but I’ll also remember how this university community came together with supporters like Windgate to do something clear, pure and meaningful to inspire our students and visitors to campus.”
According to the artist’s statement from Ishimura, the series of sculpture focuses on “fostering a dialogue about the complicated and contradictory desires to unify and divide the cultural perspectives and characteristics among China, Japan and Korea.”
Ishimura is a native of Tokyo, Japan.
“Watching a movie about World War II with my Korean roommate made me aware of a vast separation between our historical perspectives despite striking cultural similarities,” wrote Ishimura.
She went on to state that her work makes the argument that the cultures of China, Japan and Korea “are all under the same roof” as part of her goal to emphasize the similarities between the three nations.
Ishimura earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tama University in Japan and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Wichita Falls Museum of Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tama Art University Gallery and Ginza Seido Gallery are among the places where her art has been placed on exhibition.
“We sought to identify an individual who could create a beautiful work of art for our campus and leave an equally lasting mark on our community,” said Bowen. “Manami Ishimura proved to be that individual. Today, we have the privilege of unveiling her work. It symbolizes Arkansas Tech University’s commitment to the arts, innovation and community building. We extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners at the Windgate Charitable Foundation and to our guest of honor, Manami Ishimura. Our collective efforts and the sculpture that we are unveiling today have made Arkansas Tech University a more beautiful place.”
