Meet Code Talker photographer Kenji Kawano

By Karen Wyman

Kenji Kawano, the photographer whose work is highlighted in the Kennedy Museum of Art exhibition "Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers" will visit Ohio University Oct. 16 and 17. Kawano, who is the official Navajo Code Talkers Association photographer, will be present for several events organized by the museum.

During World War II a small group of Navajo Marines provided their country with its only totally secure cryptogram. They spoke to each other in their native language, relaying vital information between front lines and headquarters. The Japanese were not able to decipher the messages, making the Code Talkers contributions invaluable during the war. This little known story has been portrayed in documentaries as well as the recently released movie, "Windtalkers," starring Nicolas Cage. The photographs on view express much more of the sense of pride and patriotism these Navajos felt for their duties as Code Talkers.

"Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers" includes sensitive and personal portraits of the Navajo Marines in their homes or on their native reservation. The photographs, taken in the late 1980s, reflect the respect and friendship that Kawano was able to develop with the Code Talkers.

The exhibition is organized by the National Atomic Museum, Albuquerque, N.M., and will be on view at the Kennedy Museum through Nov. 24. Kawano's visit is co-sponsored by the Kennedy Visitors Series.

Student and Veteran Discussions
Oct. 16, 9 to 11 a.m.;
Oct. 17, 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m.
Ohio University students (History, Photography and Visual Communications) and U.S. Veterans are invited to visit and interact with photographer Kenji Kawano in the Kennedy Museum galleries.

Public Reception
Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Meet photographer Kenji Kawano. Free and open to the public.

Brown Bag Lunch
Oct. 17 at 11:45 a.m.
Bring your lunch to the museum to have an informal time to chat with Kawano. We'll supply beverages and dessert!

Gallery Talk
Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Explore the exhibition with Kawano.

Karen Wyman is the director of marketing and communications for the Kennedy Museum of Art.