Nerves on Fire: Reflections on WWII
A Thousand-Stitch Belt, 2011
Acrylic on panel
24" x 18"
The senninbaris were sought after by G.I.s as prized souvenirs, especially those with images of tigers. It is offensive to strip a dead body, but callousness was a defense and means of surviving emotionally. After the war, some of these souvenirs were traced and returned by ex-G.I.s to surprised and grateful families in Japan.