Frank Okada once described his work as being “dedicatory in nature.” He said, “My parents, through good and bad times, always placed the first portion of newly cooked rice before their modest Buddhist shrine, dedicating that portion to the memory of those past and as an abiding affirmation of their faith. Occasionally, in thoughts conjured in my studio reflections, I sense my work as being metaphorically that daily first portion of rice.” While this painting appears to be a bold, colorful abstraction, Okada’s choice of title hints at the connection to memory and family. Consanguineous is a word denoting kinship, especially people descended from the same ancestor. Come by and visit this work in the Museum’s Hoffman Lobby.
—Sara Krajewski, The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
Frank Okada (American, 1931–2000), Consanguineous, 1969. Oil on canvas. Museum Purchase: Caroline Ladd Pratt Fund, 71.4
Mary Randlett (American, 1924–2019), Portrait of Frank Okada, 1972. Gelatin silver print, image/sheet: 10 3/8 in x 10 9/16 in, Gift of Bill Rhoades in memory of Murna and Vay Rhoades, 2012.86.14
