Honors student LeeAnne Nakamura discusses her recent research paper, The Work of Luis Nishizawa, and her experience at an honors research conference! LeeAnne is currently a fourth-year student at DePaul University majoring in Dramaturgy/Criticism, and minoring in Cinema Studies.
Could you provide a brief overview of your research?
Using an art history approach, I examined two paintings by Mexican Japanese painter, Luis Nishizawa, to uncover how his identity intersects with his art. By examining migration theories and the Japanese immigrant community’s presence in Mexico, I argue how the more positive relationship between Japanese immigrants and locals allowed Nishizawa to develop a style that honored both Mexican and Japanese art traditions.
Why did you choose to research this topic?
Growing up a few hours away from the Cali-Mexico border and Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, I was interested to learn if/where these two cultures I grew up around, intersected in art. When I took art history in high school, I observed how the chosen pieces for each country’s unit rarely, if ever, included an artist of mixed descent. So, I was also curious to learn about an artist who identified themselves with multiple identities, as well as if this influenced their style.
What was your experience at the conference?
While at the conference, there was no shortage of options on how I could spend my time. I tried to balance my days between attending presentations, participating in workshops, and exploring the local area, which included quick trips to the National WWI Museum and Memorial and Kansas City’s Union Station. Presenting my work during the student poster session felt incredibly rewarding as other attendees showed genuine interest by asking questions or sharing their own art history experiences that related to my topic.
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