Hisako Hibi and Matsusaburo "George" Hibi papers, circa 1906-2022

Collection Information

Size: 3.9 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of Japanese American artists Hisako Hibi and Matsusaburo "George" Hibi measure 3.9 linear feet and date from circa 1906-2022. These papers are mainly focused on Hisako Hibi's life and career, with some content related to her husband Matsusaburo "George" Hibi. Included are biographical material consisting of immigration documents and interview transcripts; scrapbooks; printed material including catalogs and newspaper clippings; personal and professional correspondence; scattered records of works sold, loaned and donated; and a few sketches. Also found is Matsusaburo's handwritten account of founding the art school at Topaz incarceration camp along with other material related to the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Biographical/Historical Note

Hisako Hibi née Shimizu (1907-1991) was a Japanese American artist in Hayward and San Francisco, California. She was married to­ artist Matsusaburo "George" Hibi (1886-1947). Both artists were active members of the San Francisco Bay Area arts community. The two met at the California School of Fine Arts (renamed the San Francisco Art Institute, which closed in 2022) and married in 1930. They had two children, Satoshi and Ibuki. Both Hisako and Matsusaburo "George" Hibi exhibited their paintings widely.

Provenance

The Hisako Hibi and Matsusaburo "George" Hibi papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in 2022 by Ibuki Hibi Lee, Hisako and Matsusaburo "George" Hibi's daughter. There was a small addition of material donated in 2023 by Amy Lee-Tai, Ibuki Lee's daughter.

Language Note

Multiple languages .