Domoto: Visions of Usonia

Japanese American architect Kaneji Domoto (1912 - 2002) realized multiple projects in Usonia, a cooperative in Pleasantville, New York, just 10 miles from Purchase College. His houses describe the translation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideal middle-class house from a general vision to the particulars of construction, cultural identity and environmental responsiveness in a New York suburb.  At a moment when traditional Modernist architectural narratives are being challenged by identity politics and reread through the work of fellow travelers rather than iconic figures, the contribution made by Domoto is particularly relevant to contemporary architecture. This show is curated by Lynnette Widder of Columbia University; and it sets her installation design in juxtaposition to Domoto’s architecture, landscape architecture, sculpture, furniture design, painting and traditional Japanese craft techniques.