Artist Talk with Bruce Yonemoto

Thurs 10 Dec, 6 pm
Goethe

Bruce Yonemoto is acclaimed for his collaborations with his brother Norman as well as for his independent practice. His work references the clichés and myths of American culture and the influence of media – most notably Hollywood productions – on society and culture. At the same time his work addresses issues such as identity, race and ethnicity and more generally widespread and universal preoccupations with time, life and death. His introspective search is reflected in his visionary installations, revealing universal truths in a deep examination of the human psyche.

Of Japanese descent, the US-born and raised artist also explores issues of cultural and racial identity in the midst of American popular culture and society. In the photographic series NSEW (2007), Yonemoto ponders tradition and history, acknowledging American Civil War soldiers neglected in historical records. In this Hollywood-like staged production, the Asian models also remind us that race and ethnicity do not necessarily coincide with cultural and national identity. This series will be shown with other works at the Galerie Quynh in Ho Chi Minh City later this month.

Please note: Talk and discussion in English with simultaneous translation into Vietnamese.