YASUZATO Matsufuku
安里松福
Born: 10 February 1878 – Died: 14 September 1944
Particulars:
Matsufuku was born in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. He was a widower with one son and two daughters, who lived in the central area of the main island of Okinawa. He was a farmer in 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 transferred to Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia in 1943, when a camp re-organisation took place. He died of stomach cancer at the age of 66. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Tomoko Stipproweit
Artist/s Statement:
I invited Kiyomi Asato 安里貴代美, my friend whose name has the same kanji as Matsufuku’s surname, to support me to create this art in a spiritual manner. The photo of her favourite leafy green, tree-lined-street with sunshine, and a green light pole representing Matsufuku’s soul, is dancing in the green shower of nature with joy! Two bright flowers were added at the corners to light up the life of Matsufuku. Nina, my daughter, also contributed.
Artist Bio:
Tomoko Stipproweit migrated to Sydney, Australia in 2000 from Yokohama, Japan. She originally worked as a travel consultant and now works as an interpreter. In the past she thought that if she could not live overseas, she would move to Okinawa because of her love for its beautiful culture and energetic people.