Oral Histories

Interview of Matsumi Kanemitsu

Painter and educator known for lithography and Japanese-style sumi. Teacher at the Chouinard Art Institute and Otis College of Art and Design.”
Subtitle:
Los Angeles Art Community: Group Portrait, Matsumi Kanemitsu
Series:
Los Angeles Art Community - Group Portrait
Topic:
Asian American History
Art
Biographical Note:
Painter and educator known for lithography and Japanese-style sumi. Teacher at the Chouinard Art Institute and Otis College of Art and Design.”
Interviewer:
Rogers, Marjorie J.
Interviewee:
Kanemitsu, Matsumi
Persons Present:
Tapes I to III: Kanemitsu and Rogers; Tape IV: Kanemitsu, Rogers, David Fabian, Nancy Olexo, and Mr. Kanemitsu's children, Patia and Paul.
Place Conducted:
Kanemitsu's apartment in Los Angeles, California.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by Marjorie J. Rogers, Editor-Interviewer, UCLA Oral History Program (for "Los Angeles Art Community: Group Portrait"); B.A., Art, UCLA. Rogers prepared for the interview by reading a number of works pertaining to the New York School, with which the subject was affiliated and on which he spoke at length. Kanemitu's experiences as an instructor in Los Angeles art schools was pursued in detail.
Processing of Interview:
Editing was done by Marjorie Rogers. She checked the verbatim transcript against the original tape recordings and edited for punctuation, spelling, paragraphing, and verification of proper and place names. She attempted to retain the flavor of the Japanese-American syntax, inserting words and phrases only when necessary for clarity. Kanemitsu reviewed and approved the edited transcript, making minor deletions and additions and assisting in providing names not previously verified. The index was prepared by Lawrence Weschler, Assistant Editor, Oral History Program. Joel Gardner, Editor, Oral History Program, reviewed the edited transcript before final typing. Marjorie Rogers wrote the introduction. Other front matter was prepared by the Program staff.
Length:
7.5 hrs.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This series includes interviews with prominent Los Angeles-based visual artists and other members of the art establishment whose careers span the period from the 1920s through the 1970s. It documents the art community of the pre-World War II period and the rise of Los Angeles as a nationally recognized art center in the postwar period. Funding for this series was provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.