HAMANO Genjiro
Born: 15 May 1868 – Died: 11 January 1945
Particulars:
Genjiro was also known as George or Georgie. He was born in Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He was married but had no children and lived on Waibene / Thursday Island for 15 years before he moved to the mainland. He was a cook, and lived in various stations in western Queensland before moving to the Mackay District for 20 years, and to Townsville for five. He worked in the Metropolitan and Wills Hotels. When the Pacific War broke out, he was arrested at Dunwich, and he had with him two suitcases and a bundle with 1 pound 17 shillings 1 pence in cash. He was sent to Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales but was transferred to Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia due to camp reorganisation. He was admitted to the 64 Camp hospital and died from an enlarged liver 10 days later. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mana Nowbar
More info:
Mana Nowbar
Artist/s Statement:
My interest in this project was sparked by a visit to Japan, where I immersed myself in its rich culture. As a migrant who has lived in three different countries and chose Australia as my home, I feel a strong connection to Genjiro. I chose clay as my medium which is particularly significant in the region where Genjiro came from. By using different soils, I wanted to emphasise the importance of land in defining a sense of home. I used separated clay flat surfaces as a metaphor for pottery dishes, and I wanted to depict Genjiro’s move across Australia as a cook, reflecting the personal journey of finding and defining one’s home amidst the complexities of history and migration. Through my work, I hope to convey the intricate layers of history, culture, and personal identity that shape the experience of finding a home in a new land.
Artist Bio:
Mana Nowbar is a multidisciplinary artist based in Brisbane, Australia. She is known for her work in painting, ceramics, and mural art, which often reflect individual experiences, themes of cultural identity, community, and historical events. Mana holds a master degree in visual art from Griffith University. She has lived and worked in Iran and the USA, and has participated in various community and cultural projects across Iran, Turkey, Tunisia, the USA, and Australia.
She has completed numerous mural projects for the Tehran subway and residential real estate and participated in international workshops and conferences, including the Tunisia International Project of Art and Architecture (IRCICA) in 2008, International Congress on civilization in Turkey 2014, IWSF-27th Iranian’s studies foundation conference in Maryland USA 2016. Currently, she is studying art therapy at The University of Tasmania.