Tullahoma, DMA Events
Tokyo-born artist JUURI’s created Wisteria Maiden. Tullahoma was one of the sites where Japanese—mostly U.S. citizens—were interned during World War II at Camp Forrest, and JUURI drew inspiration from that history for her concept. The figure she painted is a famous Japanese character, also known from a beautiful kabuki play; the play has no storyline, but rather is an enchanting dance of the maiden among the purple Wisteria blossoms.
“We Japanese are very steadfast and resilient people, and I was sure that is how they got through this dark period,” she says. “Now I hope all citizens and visitors to the city, Japanese or not, can be inspired by my Wisteria Maiden.”
The Wisteria Maiden mural was sponsored by Cycles Gladiator and a Tennessee Arts Commission FY21 Creative Placemaking grant and was managed by DMA Events. Image by Odinn Media.
