Kenji Shoemaker & Abbee Warmboe
Senbazuru

The inspiration for the crane and mask windows comes from the Japanese concept of senbazuru, or “1,000 paper cranes.” 

Most well known in the States through the story of Sadako Sasaki, giving a gift of 1,000 paper cranes is thought to gift a wish of healing, recovery, longevity, and/or luck for the recipient. Due to this, chains of these folded birds can be found in Shinto shrines and on monuments across Japan, and have made their way into literature globally. The sacredness of these chains comes in part from the acknowledgement of the work, care, and dedication required to create 1,000 folded cranes, making it common to give a senbazuru to loved ones who are hospitalized, recovering from tough medical ailments, or otherwise facing perilous conditions.

In the current moment, this wish of recovery is directed towards many individuals, including, but not limited to: the thousands of currently unemployed theatre/arts workers; Black and Indigenous individuals locally and nationwide facing the current and continued reckoning associated with centuries of mistreatment and racism; individuals facing a renewed resurgence of COVID-related anti-Asian racism; and anyone who is dealing with this pandemic and its mishandling by those who do not acknowledge its dangers. 

The cranes for this project were folded by theatre workers and students from across The Twin Cities (listed below), and the face masks were commissioned from local costume workers, many of whom are currently unemployed because of COVID-19. All masks used in this display will be donated to areas of high need after the window is taken down, with priority given to communities of color who have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic.

More to know:

The Significance of Origami and Building Community — Video

The History of the 1,000 Paper Cranes

Face Masks in Asia — From BBC: Coronavirus: Why some countries wear face masks and others don't

Interview with Dr. Jennifer Ho on COVID-related racism and solidarity with Black Lives Matter — Video

Resources on Anti-Asian Racism, including information on COVID-related racism