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HAVANA — Members of Tsukimi Kai, a group of primarily Japanese Americans visiting Cuba as part of a two-week exchange with Cubans of Japanese descent, donated two books featuring artwork produced by Japanese Americans incarcerated in internment camps by the U.S. government during World War II. The books were presented to Moraima Clavijo Colom (center, holding books), director of the National Museum of Fine Arts here. The April 1 presentation honored an exhibit of prison paintings on display at the museum by Antonio Guererro, one of the Cuban Five who recently returned to Cuba after more than 16 years in U.S. prisons.
The two books were Topaz Moon, featuring the work of renowned artist Chiura Obata while imprisoned in the Topaz, Utah, concentration camp, and The Art of Gaman, by Delphine Hirasuna. Both included signed dedications by the authors saluting the Cuban Five. Kimi Kodani Hill, granddaughter of Obata and author of Topaz Moon, wrote, “In honor of the Cuban 5: The power of creativity vs. confinement remains steadfast. Thank you for your beautiful art.” Director Colom asked the meaning of “gaman.” Tour presenter Patti Iiyama (kneeling, at left) said it means enduring hardship with patience and dignity. “Nothing could be more appropriate for art produced by those unjustly imprisoned,” said Colom. |
| — JERRY FREIWIRTH |