“An American Knockoff” Exhibition By Roger Shimomura

Roger Shimomura’s paintings, prints, and theatre pieces address sociopolitical issues of Asian America and have often been inspired by diaries kept by his late immigrant grandmother for 56 years of her life.

Artist’s Statement: “I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, a city where ethnic diversity is standard fare, however, for over the last 40 years, I have lived my life in the Midwest where the Asian American presence is still somewhat of a rarity. Since living in Kansas, I have found it to be routine to be asked what part of Japan I am from, or how long I have lived in this country. Just as common, subtle references continue to connect me to stereotypical ‘oriental’ traits, both physical and behavioral. Far too many American-born citizens of Asian descent continue to be thought of as only ‘American knockoffs.’ This latest series of paintings is an attempt to ameliorate the outrage of these misconceptions by depicting myself battling those stereotypes, or in tongue-in-cheek fashion, becoming those very same stereotypes.”

Join us at 5:30pm at the Flomenhaft Gallery in Chelsea to view the exhibition and at 6:00 for a special artist talk and slide show with Roger Shimomura. Reception to follow.

Exhibition runs from October 28-December 11, 2010 at Flomenhaft Gallery.
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30am-5:00pm.

For more information, visit www.flomenhaftgallery.com or call (212) 268-4952.

Exhibition opening reception on Thursday, October 28, 6:00-8:00pm.

Co-sponsored by: Flomenhaft Gallery