TANAKA Chuzaburo: Spirit of Life in the North of Japan

Ethnologist and Aomori native Tanaka Chuzaburo spent his life researching and documenting the culture of his home. This exhibition featured implements and clothing from the collection Tanaka spent his life amassing and introduced the culture and lifestyles developed by the people of Aomori to survive the region’s long, harsh winters. Also on display were works of contemporary artists exploring materials from unique perspectives. In an age of rampant cheap and disposable consumption, “Spirit of Life in the North of Japan” provided an opportunity to trace the handicrafts and way of life of people who truly cared for their belongings through tireless maintenance and repurposing.