“I Realized Its Importance when It Burned Down” 11-meter Mural Imbued with Wishes for Recovery Graduation Projects by Shuri High School Department of Dyeing and Weaving Design Students
Students from the Shuri High School Department of Dyeing and Weaving Design stand in front of the mural “Past and Future,” made by the entire third-year class. The mural is a depiction of Shuri Castle. (January 31, Naha Shimin Gallery, Kumoji, Naha)
February 7, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Between January 28 and February 2, graduation projects by the 33 third-year students in the Shuri High School Department of Dyeing and Weaving Design were displayed in the 60th Dyeing and Weaving Exhibition at the Naha Shimin Gallery in Kumoji, Naha.
One hundred and forty-six student works including kijaku (cloth used to make traditional Japanese clothing) and neckties were on display. One work that stood out among these was a mural (2.5 m high and 11.8 m across), which was a collaboration by all of the third-year students.
The theme of the mural is “Past and Future” and is an illustration of the philosophies of Shuri High School, kaiho youshu (developing talent on a waterlocked nation) and shinten douchi (earth-shaking). Students chose Shuri Castle, which burned down in October, 2019, as the primary subject. Students symbolized their hopes for the future in the koi fish motif. A group of fish swim upstream, cresting rough waves, and eventually changing into a bold dragon that reigns over earth and sky. The work is imbued with the students’ hope that Shuri Castle will be restored as soon as possible and their determination to support the castle no matter where their journeys take them.
The subject of the mural was not Shuri Castle originally, but changed after the castle burned down. The students started the mural in November and spent about two months completing it. The mural was separated into six sheets and designed by four students. The rest of the students worked together to dye the fabric and finish the piece.
Shuichi Okada says, “I first realized what a big presence the castle had and how important it was after it burned down.” Kairi Sunabe says, “Shuri Castle was here. I put that feeling into this piece.” Toko Urasaki lives in Nakagusuku. She drew attention to a point she worked hard on, saying, “I wanted to create depth and to make sure it left an impression, so I was very particular about the red I used.”
(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)
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