Opening night reception for the exhibition of “Images of Internment,” a series of oil paintings by Dr. Henry Shimizu

On Tuesday, February 18, the Consulate General of Japan held an opening night reception for the exhibition of “Images of Internment,” a series of oil paintings by Dr. Henry Shimizu. The paintings recall the activities of and lifestyle of the internees in the New Denver Japanese Internment Camp, during World War II.

During the reception, Consul General Okada and Gordon Kadota, Past President of Nikkei National Heritage Museum and Cultural Centre, offered their remarks. Dr. Shimizu also provided insight into the paintings and his time in the internment camp through an Artist’s Statement, as well as by answering questions.

Dr. Shimizu is a Member of the Order of Canada, served as Chair of the Japanese Canadian Redress Foundation and was instrumental in creating the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver. His family was removed from the B.C. Coast to the New Denver Japanese Internment Camp in 1942, when he was a 13-year old teenager.

Images of Internment: Paintings by Dr. Henry Shimizu will run from February 19 – December 19, 2014 at the Consulate General of Japan (900-1177 West Hastings Street), Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - Noon and 1 pm – 4:30pm. We hope that the exhibition will provide you with a deeper understanding of Japanese Canadian History.

Series Schedule
Series 1 - Exile from the West Coast, February 19 - April 11
Series 2 - New Denver,  April 14 - May 30
Series 3 - New Experiences and Activities, June 2 - July 18
Series 4 - Lifestyle in the Camp, July 21 - September 5
Series 5 - Boys and Sports, September 8 - October 24
Series 6 - Girls, and Farewell, October 27 - December