The Children’s Art Carnival presents Seed Bomb, an exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Coinciding with this solemn milestone, the exhibition and its accompanying workshops take place in a deeply resonant location—Harlem, just blocks from Manhattanville, where research for the Manhattan Project was once conducted.
Spearheaded by artist and cultural organizer Yasuyo Tanaka, the project bridges past and future, war and peace, through art, performance, and youth-led storytelling. “Atomic Bomb and Seed Bomb use the same word—’bomb’—but they carry opposite meanings: destruction and regeneration,” says Tanaka. “We want to explore what kind of world can grow from deep reflection, sincere remembrance, and meaningful action.” This emphasis on contemplation and introspection will engage and inspire the audience to think critically.
Michael Unthank, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at Children’s Art Carnival, shares:
“The Children’s Art Carnival is proud to host the SEED BOMB exhibition on the 80th anniversary of the tragic destruction of two Japanese cities through America’s use of the atomic bomb. This exhibition couldn’t come at a more appropriate time or a more appropriate place—Harlem—where research and development of the bomb occurred just blocks away in West Harlem’s Manhattanville neighborhood. We’re honored to collaborate with curator Yasuyo Tanaka and a diverse group of artists to engage the public on critical issues surrounding history, environmental justice, and creative expression.”
Tanaka’s own photographic series bridges individual and global narratives. It pairs a sky image divided into 16 parts with 16 documentary photographs of nuclear disasters and includes a short film featuring scenes from the farm of Masanobu Fukuoka—the renowned Japanese farmer and philosopher who developed seed bombs using clay, seeds, medicinal herbs, and water as part of his natural farming practice. These “bombs” germinate only under the right environmental conditions, allowing multiple species to grow together without the need for chemical fertilizers. Fukuoka’s method became a model for reforestation and desert greening around the world.
Blanka Amezcua draws on ancestral knowledge from the first medical texts written in the Americas to highlight nature’s power to heal. Garry Grant honors Coretta Scott King, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Paul Robeson as a chorus of memory and resistance, reminding us that hope can take root even in the aftermath of destruction. Noreen Dresser’s work addresses the loss of bird populations and habitats, presenting birds as enduring symbols of peace and strength. Tomo Mori’s fiber art centers on children and education—our “seeds” for the future.
The exhibition’s title was inspired by a student in Under This Sky: Manhattan Project, an educational program that explores war and peace through the history of the atomic bomb. In his organic gardening class, the student named his seed bombs Little Boy and Fat Man—after the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Manhattan Project was a monumental collaboration of military, academic, and industrial forces, drawing on knowledge from across the globe. Yet 80 years after the invention of the atomic bomb, radioactive fallout and environmental degradation from nuclear activity persist. Now is the time to redirect human ingenuity away from weapons and toward peace. As curator Yasuyo Tanaka puts it:
“Let us overcome our differences, connect through our shared hopes, and sow seeds of a peaceful future where we can all enjoy life together.”
“Seed Bomb: 80th Anniversary of the USA–Japan Atomic Bombings”
at Manhattanville Community Center
530 W 133rd St, NYC
July 10 – August 15 | Thurs–Sat, 4:30–8:30 PM
SEED BOMB: Art Exhibition at the Children’s Art Carnival
62 Hamilton Terrace, NYC
August 1 – 31 | Fridays 5:30–7:30 PM | Sat/Sun 12–5 PM
Curated by Yasuyo Tanaka.
Featured Artists Include:
Blanka Amezkua, Michele Brody, Noreen Dean Dresser, Garry Grant, Laura King, Eiko Nishida, Nazanin Noroozi, Tomo Mori, Nancy Paredes, Yasuyo Tanaka, TAFA, and Tammy Wofsey
Program Highlights:
August 1 – Opening Artist Reception, Children’s Art Carnival, 6-8pm (Open to the public); *3-5pm – Brotherhood Sister Sol invites 50 children for a semi-private event
August 6 & 13 – Artist Talks six participating artists will discuss their work and reflections on the 80th Anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; and New York City the birthplace of the Manhattan Project, Children’s Art Carnival
August 8 & 15 – Live Performances, Music & Reflections with Saco Myoji, Shio Takashio, and more at Manhattanville Community Center
August 23, Japanese Paper Dyeing Workshop for families, led by Tanaka, Children’s Art Carnival
SEED BOMB exhibition is supported by:
Programs at the Children’s Art Carnival is made possible with funding from the Harlem Community Development Corporation, the New York State Council on the Arts, West Harlem Development Corporation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, and through contributions from West Harlem community members. @childrensartcarnival