Yoko Ono‘s “White Chess Set” consists of only white pieces, which makes it impossible to differentiate sides. With just one color, the notion of the opponent is nonexistent. Chess, usually a strategic, war-simulating game, can become a peaceful exchange of mutual understanding. In this metaphor for pacifism, Yoko Ono cites inspiration from her childhood memories of fleeing Tokyo for the countryside during the air raids of the city.

Curator Shinya Watanabe playing chess with Yoko Ono. Photo: Masami Ueki

Oura Nobuyuki’s “Holding Perspective” is a series of fourteen lithographs depicting Emperor Hirohito in various stages of his life. The lithographs combine pictures of the former Emperor with images of the mushroom cloud, traditionally dressed Japanese women, Man Ray’s female nude, and other juxtaposing imagery. The controversial work was the target of a right-wing attack after an exhibition in Japan in the late 1980s.

Oura Nobuyuki, “Work I” from “Holding Perspective”. Photo: Ota Yasuo

Yasumasa Morimora‘s seven-minute video shows a rendition of Yukio Mishima’s infamous speech, 37 years after his death. The Mishima incident occurred in Tokyo in November 1970. Mishima, a famous author turned ultra-nationalist organized, called for a coup d’etat and constitutional revision. Quickly after, he committed suicide. Morimora has performed “Season of Passion” three times, with a speech based on Mishima’s but twisted to address the Japanese art community.

Yasumasa Morimora, “Season of Passion – A Requiem: MISHIMA, 1970.11.25 – 2006.4.6”. Photo: Ota Yasuo

“Into the Atomic Sunshine” is a culmination of two years of research and preparation by Mr. Watanabe, and includes works by both Japanese and American artists. Accompanying the exhibition were various music and dance performances, as well as a screening of White Light, Black Rain, a documentary about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by Steven Okazaki.

“Into the Atomic Sunshine” carries more weight than a typical contemporary art exhibition. It’s at once a history lesson and a show of politically-conscious art. Most vitally, it’s a call for discussion on an issue which will only become more important in the years to come.

Into the Atomic Sunshine: Post-War Art under Japanese Peace Constitution Article 9
Date: January 12th – February 10th, 2008
Place: Puffin Room
Address: 435 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
https://www.spikyart.org