SHIMABUKU / SHIMABUKURO Fukusaburo
Born: 10 June 1871 – Died: 5 August 1942
Particulars:
Fukusaburo was born in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. He was a single man working as a labourer in Kanaky / New Caledonia when the Pacific War broke out. He had a brother in Okinawa listed as his next of kin. Fukusaburo was taken to Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia. He was admitted to hospital and died from cancer of the stomach aged 71. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Maki McCarthy with Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa Group
Artist/s Statement:
When I created this work for Fukusaburo Shimabuku / Shimabukuro, I envisioned children and people surrounded by hydrangea flowers, all smiling.
Shimabuku san hails from Motobu Cho, Okinawa, where hydrangeas bloom beautifully every year from May to June. It seems like he is watching over the spreading smiles of children. Hydrangeas remind me of my grandmother’s hydrangea art, and I tried folding them in the same way. I remembered my grandmother’s positivity and smile. I felt that Shimabuku san treasures the innocence and purity of children. His message is ‘enjoy everyday life to the fullest! May children’s smiles spread even further.’
Artist Bio:
Maki McCarthy with Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa Group Believing in the deep connection between art and well-being, Maki practices Reiki healing and creates pastel paintings using her fingers. Through art, she brings smiles, and shares the healing power of nature.
Maki is a member of Cairns Eisaa group in Queensland, Australia, and some members folded the hydrangea origami with Maki, and sent the prayer to the final art piece with a minute of silence.