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, Cat Looking at Fish, 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
Mt. Fuji and Dancing Flame
after 2001
Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
Tule Lake Collage
2002
Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
World Trade Center
2005

Supporters

This exhibition and related programs are supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Kress Foundation Department of Art History, the KU Office of Research, and KU Student Senate.