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TITLE Topaz Art School DESCRIPTION Topaz Art School "Seated in the front row from right to left: Hisako Hibi, Ibuki Hibi, Midori Hanamura, Matsusaburo Hibi, Masako Yamamoto, and two unknown women." Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata's Art of the Internment CONTEXT "In the midst of this desert, we artists' job is not to discuss the war, nor waste time by gossiping and foment uneasiness among our residents. But our utmost effort should be given to develop culture and soften the people's hearts which somehow seem to have a tendency to harden under the circumstances. Existence of an art schools is now more necessary and essential than ever before, especially in such a place as Topaz, where it is like a lone beautiful flower with a sweet fragrance in bloom....It is not for the mere existence of teaching technique, but also to foster infinite inspirations, emotions, and peaceful thoughts in the people, young and old." Matsusaburo Hibi, in Beyond Words: Images from America's Concentration Camps CREDIT Kimi Kodani Hill Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata's Art of the Internment DATE ca. 1944 |
