Equal Time
Over the years, my paintings have explored my Japanese Canadian identity. While earlier works reflected feelings of ambivalence and discomfort with my ethnicity, passing time has slowly shaped my feelings into those of acceptance and a certain amount of pride. This gradual transformation is reflected in my art.
While the essence of the theme has remained constant, the manner in which it has been dealt with has varied as I continually look for new ways to say the same thing. The works in Equal Time, produced between 2018 and 2020, continue the exploration of the Japanese Canadian theme but a new component, the equilateral triangle, has been integrated into some of the paintings. The triangle was a calculated choice not only because of its appealing proportions and its potential to provide stability to a collection of diverse images but also because it seemed an appropriate symbol to represent tolerance and equality which was tragically absent in the history of the Japanese Canadians. Sadly, racial intolerance still continues.
Another recent development is a brighter palette and a tighter integration of all the components, further illustrating my acknowledgement and acceptance of my dual heritage and of having learned to embrace the beauty and the blending of two cultures. Underlying all of this is my recognition of the challenges my parents’ generation faced in their quest for equality, for equal time.

Artist Norman Takeuchi
Born in Vancouver, some of his earliest memories are of the interior of BC where his parents were forced to relocate during World War II. Ultimately graduating from the Vancouver School of Art in 1962, he went to London, England, to concentrate on painting, and again in 1967 with a Canada Council grant. In 1996, he left a design career to focus on art. He has since participated in many solo and group exhibitions. His work is represented in permanent collections of the Royal Ontario Museum, Canadian War Museum, Ottawa Art Gallery, Canada Council Art Bank, City of Ottawa, Carleton University Art Gallery, and in private collections in Canada and abroad.

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