NAKATA Isokichi
中田磯吉
Born: 1 February 1889 – Died: 27 March 1946
Particulars:
Isokichi was born in Fukuoka City in Japan. He was working as a tailor in Nouméa, Kanaky / New Caledonia when the Pacific War broke out. He was taken to Australia and interned, first at Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales, then at Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia. After the war, when the Loveday Internment Camp was closed, he was too ill to be repatriated, so he was transferred to Tatura Internment Camp in Victoria. He died in the camp hospital due to cardiac failure when he was aged 57. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Ren Yano
Artist/s Statement:
Isokichi san is from Fukuoka, like me, so with my calligraphy of his name, I used a photograph of the sea at Fukuoka as a reference to the word ‘iso’ in his name. Iso means seashore or the beach in Japanese. The sky is wide, the sea is calm, and the sound of the waves is soothing.
Artist Bio:
Ren Yano is a Japanese calligraphy artist and permanent resident of Australia, who brings the elegance of traditional Japanese art to Sydney’s cultural landscape. Notably, he showcased his craft by composing a heartfelt message of support for the Australian team at the Australian Olympic Committee office during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. Ren has captivated his audiences at prestigious events such as Japan Expo, where he performs live demonstrations of large scale calligraphy, creating striking artworks with sweeping brushstrokes.