NISHIHARA Hichiyemon
西原七右衛門
Born: 16 February 1880 – Died: 13 July 1942
Particulars:
Hichiyemon was born in Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. Although his wife and son lived in Fukuoka, he was living and working as a farmer in Kanaky / New Caledonia. When the Pacific War broke out, he was taken to Australia to be interned in Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales. He died of peritonitis at the age of 62. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Yoshiko Ito and Takuya Ito
Artist/s Statement:
I uncovered an intriguing old photo of a locomotive while delving into the history of his hometown Fukuoka during his era. The locomotive, with its grand iron structure and billowing steam, might have been a familiar sight for him, possibly even a vessel he boarded on his journey overseas in search of a better life. Its powerful engine could evoke memories of hope and adventure, and perhaps, in some way, this very train could symbolise his return home from across the ocean, bridging the gap between past and present.
Artist Bio:
Yoshiko Ito and Takuya Ito are a mother and son team. Japanese born and based in Sydney, Australia, they have a long standing relationship with the people of Cowra where the Japanese Cemetery is situated. Yoshiko is a visual artist, metalsmith, and origamist. Takuya is a digital and screen based artist and animator.