For some time now, 1xRUN has been talking with California based artist, Tohru Patrick Awa, about preparing another great print RUN. Once the recent earthquake and tsunami struck Japan however, we received something of a very different tone from him. In his message to us, Tohru explained…
Check out Anonymous Hug here.
“I am a Japanese artist, born in the States, and raised in Tokyo. In light of the tragedy in Japan, it was especially terrifying for me until I finally got a hold of my family in Tokyo and confirmed their safety. Despite the size of this sad and devastating event, luckily Tokyo only suffers moderate damage so far, but the north-east area is revealing way worse truth and grief day by day.
Since I am unfortunately not a trained doctor or rescuer and would like to help them right away, I would like to seek a few other ways as an artist to be a small help in any regards/degrees for survivors and situation in Japan.”
Patrick goes on to explain Anonymous Hug:
“The basic idea was to draw miscellaneous figures with their hands holding each other as tight as they could at the moment of reunion, making a sphere-like shape together, which I also hoped to represent connection and compassion I have received from all over the world. And even though this might be a little “one” to start with in front of massive damage, hopefully together we can become “ONE” to make a difference.
In the aftermath of the ongoing tragedy in Japan, I was so anxious that I had a hard time focusing on painting. Although I originally would have liked to make something more uplifting or encouraging, the event was simply too devastating, with the death toll of tens of thousands and millions suffering right now.
This piece is dedicated to all of the survivors and to those that have lost their lives.”
We, of course, wanted to do what we could to help. Patrick has just finished creating Anonymous Hug exclusively for this release, and will personally embellish each one with gold when he signs the print.
Anonymous Hug is a 17” x 12.5” giclée, printed on 330gsm paper with archival ink, and has a maximum edition size of 75. Each print is signed, gold embellished, numbered, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from 1xRUN.
100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to Give2Asia.
We encourage you to learn more about how artists are helping Japan at http://give2asia.org/artistshelp.
Where does this money ultimately go? (from Artists Help Japan)
Artists Help Japan Mercy Corps fund will go directly to Peace Winds Japan which is one of highest regarded NPO working on the mission in Japan right now based on our research.
Artists Help Japan Give2Asia fund will go directly to Give2Asia’s main Japan Earthquake Fund.
Give2Asia also has partnerships with several local NPOs in Japan that will make our funds used more efficiently.
Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery.
