Street Nihonga

The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

February 19, 2026–June 28, 2026

Sam & Connie Perkins Central Court, The Estelle S. & Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation Gallery, Dolph Simons Family Gallery

Drawing of a black-and-white cat peering at an orange-and-black fish swimming in a bowl surrounded by flowers — Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, *untitled (cat with blue peony)*, circa 2001

Street Nihonga will explore the art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani (1920–2012), whose work blends Japanese aesthetics with the rawness of street life in New York City. This exhibition will showcase Mirikitani’s artistic talents while exploring his compelling narrative of survival against the backdrop of historic events between Japan and the United States. With more than 120 works, Street Nihonga will be the first opportunity for the public to experience a substantial body of Mirikitani’s work and learn about his artmaking and storytelling strategies.

Street Nihonga is co-curated by KU Associate Professor of Japanese Art Maki Kaneko and Spencer Curator of Global Contemporary & Asian Art Kris Ercums.

Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

untitled (“Mt. Fuji” and flames in homage to Hayami Gyoshū)

after 2001

Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

untitled (Tule Lake collage)

2002

Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

untitled (World Trade Center and Kannon)

2005

Supporters

This exhibition and related programs are supported by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Linda Bailey Exhibition and Programming Fund, the Douglas County Community Foundation, the University of Kansas Office of Research, University of Kansas Student Senate, the Kress Foundation Department of Art History, George and Hillary Hirose, Judy Paley, the International Artist in Residence Program Fund, the Marilyn J. Stokstad Spencer Museum Publications Fund, Arts Research Integration, and Friends of the Art Museum.