07/08/2023
Art is anything but static. Japanese artist Chiura Obata, renowned for his studies of High Sierra and Yosemite landscapes, can be credited for facilitating a cross-cultural dialogue that emerged at a time of necessity and continues to spark connections to place and identity today. Obata worked in ink and watercolor and used traditional Japanese printmaking techniques, capturing the subject matter of Yosemite in a style that many Americans weren't accustomed to. His intricate works express not only the grandeur of the ‘Great Nature’ he took inspiration from but prompt conversation about using art as both an outlet and a refuge. Using art as an escape was particularly applicable in 1942 when Japanese Americans, including Chiura Obata, were incarcerated in concentration camps across the US. During this time, Obata taught art to help other imprisoned people process their collective and individual grief and displacement.
Many people form relationships with Yosemite without ever visiting. Their first link to this place may be through a photograph, film or piece of art that evokes an emotion; joy, wonder, comfort, curiosity or longing. Obata's work does this for a wide audience, sparking an appreciation of Yosemite for its intrinsic and sometimes seemingly intangible values.
Join us for our third annual Obata Art Weekend, where we celebrate the legacy of Obata and redefine our relationships with the world and each other through art. Between August 25 to August 27, there will be a series of workshops, roundtable discussions and other events held by NPS and our park partners. For a full event schedule and to reserve a place on the free programs, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=2F058727-C1CE-3B0C-27292FD88492A80A
