This MOA behind the scenes tour was a fascinating look at the work of Curator Fuyubi Nakamura and Conservator Maura Toutloff. Nakamura’s on-going work in Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake culminated in the 2021 exhibition, A Future for Memory: Art and Life after the Great East Japan Earthquake. One of the things she said really touched me and that is that art and artist’s work and perspectives have a significant and important role in tragic disaster recoveries. As an artist, I felt very seen by these words and so appreciated the work she showed us.

It was truly incredible to be so close to Totems, see the carving marks, the years of natural weathering, imagining the stories and movements of the families and carver/s.

*We were allowed to take photos in the conservation lab only which was an inspiring place of all things conservation; deconstruction, reconstruction and repair.

From the website:

Join MOA for a behind-the-scenes tour with MOA Curator Fuyubi Nakamura and MOA Conservator Mauray Toutloff.

Due to the enthusiastic response from this sold-out tour, which was originally held in March, we will once again be offering it in July.

With our ongoing seismic upgrade construction, the July tours will focus on the importance of earthquake mitigation and preserving cultural heritage. These tours will offer a unique opportunity to learn why seismic upgrades are underway at MOA, and the roles of art and memory in the aftermath of disasters, the theme of MOA’s 2021 exhibition, A Future for Memory: Art and Life after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

There will be presentations by MOA Curator Fuyubi Nakamura and MOA Conservator Mauray Toutloff followed by a demonstration in the conservation lab and tours through the galleries and storage areas showcasing emergency planning.