JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM MOURNS THE PASSING OF KARIN HIGA

Los Angeles – The Japanese American National Museum is saddened by the passing of Karin Higa, former senior curator of art on Tuesday, October 29, following a battle with cancer. At the time, she was pursuing a Ph.D. in art history at USC. Karin was forty-seven.

Karin was on the National Museum staff from 1992-2006 and oversaw numerous art exhibitions. She was known for elevating the level of professionalism, helping the National Museum achieve world-class status. In addition, Karin was well respected by the wider community for her expansive knowledge and numerous contributions, increasing understanding of Asian American and contemporary art.

“Karin’s passion for preserving and interpreting the art history of Japanese Americans was unparalleled,” said Clement Hanami, Japanese American National Museum art director. “She brought a strong vision and commitment to telling the Japanese American experience in an accurate way.

“Her drive and diligence made every project we worked on so much richer and made us all better staff.”

Karin Higa’s first major project was The View from Within: Japanese American Art from the Internment Camps, 1942 – 1945, which opened at the UCLA Wight Art Gallery in 1992. This exhibition brought a greater understanding of the camp experience on two fronts. First, she revealed the skill and quality of Japanese American artists in a way that had never been done before. Secondly, she communicated the feelings and emotions that the World War II experience had on the artists and the creation of their work.

“Karin Higa’s contribution to the life of the Japanese American National Museum and other institutions where she worked is profound,” said Greg Kimura, President and CEO. “Her presence and influence here will never be forgotten. She left a legacy that is now built into our institutional DNA. She has many friends here and will be sorely missed.”

Karin is survived by her husband Russell Ferguson, a professor of art at UCLA, her mother, Eileen K. Higa, and brother, Kevin Higa.

About the Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to a better understanding and appreciation for America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American story. Since its incorporation in 1985, JANM has grown into an internationally-recognized institution, producing award-winning art and history exhibitions, educational programs, documentaries, and curricula. The National Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate museum and accredited by the Association of American Museums. In 2010, the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services was awarded to JANM, the second California museum to be so recognized.