MIZUKAME / MIZUKAMI Gennosuke
Born: Sept 1876 – Died: 19 January 1942
Particulars:
Gennosuke was born in Mie Prefecture in Japan. He arrived in Australia in 1897 and worked as a laundryman on Waibene / Thursday Island, Queensland. When the Pacific War broke out, he was taken to New South Wales and interned at Hay Internment Camp. Two days after he arrived at the camp, he was taken to hospital and died two weeks later. The cause of his death is unrecorded in documents held at the National Archives of Australia, along with many other details, as he died before his particulars were taken. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mari Suzuki
More info:
Helen Miller
Artist/s Statement:
I created a sculptural pendant light using remnant Japanese silk shibori textile from a kimono. This represents Mizukame’s homeland and honours the light and dark times of his life.
Photo 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.