|
|
Artist Statement:
Currently I am working on the
series called "Koto" or "Old
Capital City", which contains
a series of Japanese cultural
images that features themes
from the world’s oldest novel,
"The Tale of Genji". The
series uses classical
techniques to create realistic
images and symbolic forms.
Another series in "Koto"
called "Noh Mask series", and
I wanted to express intangible
human feelings and the
emotional conflicts created
from the deep, dark side of
the human mind at this series.
Also, another series called
the "Time on the Earth" series
contains paintings that
combine figures and elements
of earth/nature to talk about
time and changes on the Earth.
I think all creatures
including nature and humans
are beautiful and I always
have appreciated them. At the
"Time on the Earth" series, I
am seeking beauty in both
nature and the human figure as
well.
...
Further Information
| |
Artist Exhibitions:
Solo Exhibitions:
2002: "KOTO", Main Lobby in
Fine Art Building, University
of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
2000: "Time on the Earth",
Gallery 234 in the Union
Building, University of
Wyoming, Laramie, WY
***
Special Exhibitions:
2007: "In This Life:
Reflections on War &
Politics", 3 artists, 3
perspectives, 3 backgrounds.
Fort Collins Museum ...
Further Information
|
|
Artist Galleries:
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
|
Collections:
Public Collections:
*The Unity Center at Rhode
Island College, Providence,
RI, USA
*In-Situ, Inc., Fort Collins,
CO, USA
Private Collections:
-Private-
...
Further Information
|
|
Commissions:
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
Reviews for Kumiko S. Mckee:
|
|
|
January 15, 2007
Journey - Women’s Magazine: Arts, Volume 1, Issue 4, January / February, 2007 (pages 12-13)
focal point: KUMIKO McKEE, ARTIST
By Kathy Bauer
When Kumiko McKee first came to our office to have reproductions made of her paintings, we were fascinated by this young woman’s energy, knowledge and talent. Her life so far has been a journey worthy of a film and I am delighted to share her story with you.
Kumiko, a Fort Collins artist, embodies the spirit of Journey. A native of Japan, Kumiko has connected with her Japanese roots and expanded her focus to embrace contemporary culture, politics and the impact of war.
Kumiko has created three powerful bodies of work. “Koto” is based upon classical Japanese culture and style. “Time on the Earth” is a reverent view of who or what is responsible for creating our planet. Finally, “Power on the Earth” speaks profoundly to the emotions which embrace or clash to create our culture of the present.
“I want my paintings to have power,” she said. “And if I had stayed in Japan, I would never have painted the same. Now, from this distance, I can see and appreciate Japanese culture.”
Kumiko arrived in America with a passport full of stamps and experiences. Her extensive backpack travels in 1990 and 1991 took her through Europe, Egypt, Israel, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and southeast Asia during turbulent and historically significant political times which are clearly reflected in her artwork.
“This was the time of unification of East and West Germany after the opening of the Berlin Wall. I was in Israel when the Gulf War started and in India when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated,” Kumiko recalled. “After four months of traveling in Europe, I went to Egypt for a month before heading to Israel to volunteer at a kibbutz.”
The trip from Cairo to Tel Aviv was an eye-opener for Kumiko.
“It was a small bus and when I boarded, the man behind me caught my attention. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was making sure there was a hiding space under the seat,” Kumiko said. “Just one week prior, the same bus was raided by terrorists and all eight passengers were killed.
“We were escorted by Egyptian soldiers in Jeeps holding huge guns pointed at us and ready to shot any invaders,” she continued. “It was the first time I’ve ever had a gun pointed at me. The soldiers left us at the Suez Canal, and as the bus drove through the Sinai, I saw many rusty tanks buried in the desert. The view of Sinai left evidence of old wars and I saw its reality.”
Kumiko’s plan was to work at the kibbutz for six months before heading to Turkey. Those plans were radically changed by the beginning of the Gulf War. “By the time I received the news about the war, all flights and ships departing form Israel were already stopped,” she said. “No Arab country would allow you to enter from Israel with the exception Egypt. I managed to escape to Egypt by bus thanks to the Japanese Embassy and arrived safely with two fellow workmates and a friend. The four of us decided to stay in a hotel in Alexandria.
“Upon arriving, I saw television reports of missiles attacking where my workmates and friends were,” she continued. “I tried to call them, but all communications were cut, including those to the Japanese Embassy. I was shocked, worried and had a terrible feeling.”
At the hotel in Alexandria, Kumiko bonded with fellow travelers from Turkey, Syria and Jordan who enjoyed cooking together and sharing cultures through food and camaraderie. Kumiko spent days at a local café playing chess from morning until evening.
“I found I was the only woman in the café all the time, since Islamic women do not go out to café and play chess,” Kumiko said, smiling. “People were very kind in Alexandria.”
After waiting a month, it was finally safe to travel to London, where Kumiko worked until she felt the calling to come to the United States. She began her studies at the University of Wyoming, receiving her bachelor of fine art in 2002.
After meeting and marrying her husband Craig, Kumiko made Fort Collins her home. She paints in her sunny studio on the west side of town.
Kumiko described her recent work as an “expression of the point of my life, my view, always exposing what I feel. They are a relief to myself, what I’m thinking of my life, exposing myself as a woman.”
Her work has evolved from Japanese images based on classical Japanese culture to edgy, contemporary panels created on Masonite with headlines torn from today’s newspapers. The collages are overpainted with powerful, striking images of war and its horrific impact. The wounded, the soldiers and the world leaders are all portrayed with rich, dark detail. The resulting panels are full of passion, emotion and Kumiko’s unique impression of what the world thinks of America and the “the conflict that power and success generate.”
“All of my series of paintings are in some way connected to my life and experience,”she said. “The current war situation is the biggest issue that I’ve been concerned about in the past years and I have lots of things to say from my experience that is based on what I actually saw and heard. I am just expressing it through my painting.”
As we concluded our visit, Kumiko told me, “I think my life is a journey as you said and sometimes I feel like my journey is to be an artist.”
As we attach this talented young woman evolve, we will all agree that she is indeed on a very exciting journey. Visit www.kumiko-art.com to learn more about her powerful body of work.
*****
September 27, 2005
News Flash - The Anchor
Akashi Lady Graces Multicultural Center
Written by Victoria Enders Unity Center Student Worker/Public Relations Coordinator
When I first entered The Unity Center conference room at Rhode Island College, I was instantly blown away. In complete astonishment, I became overwhelmed by the power of the Akashi Lady. Forced to sit and absorb the magnitude of her detail, I was motivated to learn more about this woman. Who was she? What was her story?
The Akashi Lady is an oil painting on masonite by artist extraordinaire Kumiko S. Mckee. At first glance, the painting shows an elegant Japanese woman dressed in a kimono and playing a violin-like instrument called a Biwa. Depicted below are small images of traditionally dressed women lying on floor mats. Above them, we can see the sun setting over the mountains and the trees. Far off into the distance, mounds of brownish-orange clouds overshadow the waters and the boats. The images in the painting remind me of the old Japanese villages in movies and books: peaceful and mystical places I would love to visit.
Kumiko S. Mckee emulates style and technique as a part of her artistry, capturing the true essence of Japanese culture. It is indeed definite that the strokes of an artist’s brush can tell a story through art. The painting of the Akashi Lady is a story in itself. The image is derived from a Japanese literature titled The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. In fact, The Tale of Genji is known as one of the world’s oldest novels. In this tale, the Akashi Lady is best described as a loving mother who values the security and safety of her child but also feels comfort in allowing that child to be raised by someone else.
The Akashi Lady is more than just a painting or a tale; it’s the type of art that everyone can relate to. Whether a young child or a loving mother, we can apply this piece to our lives. The whole concept of the painting projects a style of Japanese surrealism that digs deep into the mind of the human sub-consciousness.
This goes back to the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words.” However, in this case, a painting is worth a thousand more. The Director of The Unity Center at Rhode Island College, Aaron Bruce, will testify to that. In fact, when asked why art inspires him, he stated, “Art transcends culture. The connection made through viewing paintings like the Akashi Lady gives the viewer a glimpse into a world they may know little about.”
These days The Akashi Lady is just one of the art exhibits that can be seen in The Unity Center. It wasn’t until recently that center began incorporating works of various artists on its walls. They promote multiculturalism and encourage diversity awareness at RIC. The works of different artists, sculptors, painters and illustrators intertwine with what diversity represents. The concept of diversity awareness stems from a long line of consciousness. It can exemplify anything from cultural perspectives to political views. In this case, our attention is directed toward art.
I know that I will definitely return to The Unity Center to visit the Akashi Lady. There is something about the image that allows me to look into myself and feel a sense of contentment. I feel secured. The kindness of her eyes brings me peace and serenity.
|
|
contact artist
