Tsuru for Solidarity
Grand Prize Winner
October 2021
"Oneness" (2021) Lauren Iida, hand-cut paper, ink
"Tsuru For Solidarity is a direct action, nonviolent project organized by members of the Japanese American community in collaboration with allied national organizations and networks. Our mission is to end detention and separation of families in the United States."
Limited edition prints available mid-November, 2021
Artist Statement
"I work in hand-cut paper which is sometimes layered with ink and watercolor washes to create intricate, complex compositions. I cut my figurative “paper cutaways” meticulously by hand with a scalpel. They can be as small as just a few square inches to as large as my “Memory Net” installations which are 42 inches by 30 feet long. Each is one-of-a-kind, delicate and dynamic, bridging the gap between two-dimensional and sculptural.
I focus my art projects on telling the stories of my Japanese American ancestors and others who experienced the same injustices. Using art as a platform to share their stories, I honor them. My paper cutting and painting techniques bring new life to an often forgotten historical photos and as I spend the time carefully cutting each strand of hair, each pattern of textile, I elevate, remember, and honor their stories.
My work is often developed for reproduction in a variety of durable substrates such as ceramic tile mosaic, plasma cut metal, vinyl, and painted murals for permanent public art projects, mostly in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. I am currently working on large-scale permanent public art projects throughout the City of Seattle and surrounding areas for two new Sound Transit stations, the Washington State Convention Center Addition, and a public park honoring the Japanese American contribution to agriculture in the City of Bellevue among others. I have centered my public art projects on telling the stories of my Japanese American ancestors and used the public art platform as a way to spread awareness and honor their triumphs and hardships." --Lauren Iida
I focus my art projects on telling the stories of my Japanese American ancestors and others who experienced the same injustices. Using art as a platform to share their stories, I honor them. My paper cutting and painting techniques bring new life to an often forgotten historical photos and as I spend the time carefully cutting each strand of hair, each pattern of textile, I elevate, remember, and honor their stories.
My work is often developed for reproduction in a variety of durable substrates such as ceramic tile mosaic, plasma cut metal, vinyl, and painted murals for permanent public art projects, mostly in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. I am currently working on large-scale permanent public art projects throughout the City of Seattle and surrounding areas for two new Sound Transit stations, the Washington State Convention Center Addition, and a public park honoring the Japanese American contribution to agriculture in the City of Bellevue among others. I have centered my public art projects on telling the stories of my Japanese American ancestors and used the public art platform as a way to spread awareness and honor their triumphs and hardships." --Lauren Iida