Chikako Yamashiro's 'Shapeshifter' exhibition at White Rainbow explores militarization and memory in Okinawa and Jeju

Chikako Yamashiro's exhibition titled 'Shapeshifter' was showcased at White Rainbow in London from 15 March to 28 April 2018. The exhibition delved into the effects of militarization and tourism on Okinawa, Japan, and Jeju, South Korea. Among the works displayed was 'Seaweed Woman' (2008), a video that simulates a dive in Henoko harbor, alongside three videos from 'Okinawa Tourist' (2004) that critique the superficial treatment of trauma. The highlight was 'Mud Man' (2017), which earned the 2017 Asian Art Award, portraying the harsh realities of wartime in both Jeju and Okinawa. Activist groups such as Save Jeju Now and Henoko Blue were acknowledged for their efforts in preserving local culture. The exhibition, noted in the Summer 2018 ArtReview Asia, highlighted Yamashiro's integration of body and landscape to address historical traumas while merging tourist aesthetics with profound commentary.