Cyanotype Banner (2024)

About the Cyanotype Banner

In conjunction with an annual members-only Nikkei Uprising retreat, I had the opportunity to lead my companions through a cyanotype workshop. From the workshop, we created a banner with text that reads “OKINAWA TO PALESTINE, OCCUPATION IS A CRIME!” The text is surrounded by an array of natural materials collected by Nikkei Uprising members. From ginkgo leaves, to snake skin, to native plants from various Chicago-land neighborhoods, we collectively created a banner that not only communicates what we stand for, but also who we are as a group of artists, activists, and comrades.

Here is a brief summary of how this facilitation was organized:

• All participating members were asked to come to the meeting with a collection of natural materials. Folks were encouraged to gather materials from their neighborhoods, their homes, or from their local flower shops.

• The workshop began with a slide show presentation that introduced the medium and a brief history of cyanotypes, visual examples of cyanotypes throughout history as well as some contemporary works, and detailed directions for our next steps.

• Participants collaboratively arranged and placed their materials on the banner and eagerly awaited for the exposure to complete.

Today, the banner lives within the organization, traveling from action to action representing this moment in time and a future we know is possible.