MATSUMOTO Kumazo
Born: 20 August 1867 – Died: 29 June 1944
Particulars:
Matsumoto Kumazo was born in Kumamoto Prefecture. Arriving in Australia in 1894, aged 27 years, he was married with one child, of Buddhist faith, and worked labouring as a gardener. He was captured in the coastal town of Shoal Point in the Mackay region in Queensland and taken to Gaythorne Internment and Prisoner of War Camp in Meanjin / Brisbane on 18 December 1941, transferring to Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales on 3 January 1942. Just over a year later, he was moved to Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia on 11 March 1943, where he subsequently died of a hernia in the camp hospital aged 76 years. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Helen Miller
More info:
Helen Miller
Artist/s Statement:
I chose remnant Japanese silk shibori from a range of kimono made into flowers to commemorate Matsumoto’s cultural background and day to day life as a gardener. The flowers are arranged into a silhouette of a dancing figure honouring his Buddhist faith. During an adventure with my mother to her homeland in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, I experienced the Awa Odori Dance Festival which grew from the tradition of the Bon Odori, a Japanese Buddhist custom honouring the spirit of one’s ancestors. This vibrant celebration featuring a centuries old traditional dance is performed by groups wearing traditional Obon costume and danced through the town streets.
Photo of artwork was taken by Louis Lim
Artist Bio:
Helen Miller started her own fashion label in 2000 and opened her SOOKii Store + Studio in Highgate Hill in Brisbane, Australia in 2004. Exploring innovative ways of working with textiles inspired by her multicultural heritage, she reimagines vintage Japanese kimono into ready to wear garments, costumes, and various objects. This enables Helen to communicate her identity through fashion and art. Helen has also exhibited in local commercial and regional art galleries in recent years.