Conferment of the Ambassador’s Award upon Mr. Norman Kiyomitsu Takeuchi
2023/10/24
On October 24, 2023, Ambassador YAMANOUCHI Kanji conferred the Ambassador’s Award upon local Japanese Canadian artist Mr. Norman Takeuchi. Mr. Takeuchi graduated from the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design) in 1961 and worked in an advertising agency before moving to London, England and beginning his painting career. From psychedelic and pop works to serious works depicting social contradictions, the turbulent times in which Mr. Takeuchi lived are reflected in his works.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Yamanouchi gave a congratulatory address, praising Norman Takeuchi’s achievements in passing on the history of Japanese Canadians through his paintings. The Ambassador noted that Mr. Takeuchi is a “bridge” that connects the past, present and future as well as a “bridge” that connects Japan and Canada. In response, Mr. Takeuchi delivered his acceptance speech and expressed his gratitude for receiving the award, thanking the members of the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and friends present at the ceremony. Furthermore, the former President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and co-curator of Mr. Takeuchi's ongoing retrospective exhibition “Shapes in Between” at the OAG, Ms. Sachiko Okuda gave a congratulatory address. Ms. Frances Itani, a novelist and who wrote the catalog for the exhibition, also gave a congratulatory address. To conclude the ceremony, Ms. Melisa Miharu Kamibayashi, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA), gave a toast.
A short film about the “Superbus”, which was co-designed by Mr. Takeuchi and a Canadian graphic artist Mr. Neville Smith and exhibited at the Canada Pavilion at the Japan World Exposition, Osaka, 1970, was screened during the ceremony.
Mr. Norman Takeuchi’s retrospective exhibition “Shapes in Between” which is being held at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) until March 24, 2024 is the first special exhibition by a Japanese Canadian artist at the Gallery.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Yamanouchi gave a congratulatory address, praising Norman Takeuchi’s achievements in passing on the history of Japanese Canadians through his paintings. The Ambassador noted that Mr. Takeuchi is a “bridge” that connects the past, present and future as well as a “bridge” that connects Japan and Canada. In response, Mr. Takeuchi delivered his acceptance speech and expressed his gratitude for receiving the award, thanking the members of the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and friends present at the ceremony. Furthermore, the former President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and co-curator of Mr. Takeuchi's ongoing retrospective exhibition “Shapes in Between” at the OAG, Ms. Sachiko Okuda gave a congratulatory address. Ms. Frances Itani, a novelist and who wrote the catalog for the exhibition, also gave a congratulatory address. To conclude the ceremony, Ms. Melisa Miharu Kamibayashi, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA), gave a toast.
A short film about the “Superbus”, which was co-designed by Mr. Takeuchi and a Canadian graphic artist Mr. Neville Smith and exhibited at the Canada Pavilion at the Japan World Exposition, Osaka, 1970, was screened during the ceremony.
Mr. Norman Takeuchi’s retrospective exhibition “Shapes in Between” which is being held at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) until March 24, 2024 is the first special exhibition by a Japanese Canadian artist at the Gallery.
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| Congratulatory address by Ambassador Yamanouchi |
Mr. Norman Takeuchi and Ambassador Yamanouchi holding the award certificate |
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| Acceptance speech by Mr. Norman Takeuchi |
Congratulatory address by Ms. Sachiko Okuda |
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| Congratulatory address by Ms. Frances Itani |
Mr. and Mrs. Takeuchi and Ambassador Yamanouchi |
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| Ms. Melisa Miharu Kamibayashi, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) leads a toast |
Superbus |
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| Photos of Mr. Takeuchi's works and his family were on display | Group photo with special guests |
