On March 28, 2025, apexart in Manhattan will open “Take it Home, for (__) Shall Not Repeat the Error. [Manhattan Project]”, a poignant group exhibition curated by Hiroshima-raised artist and independent curator Souya Handa. The show, which runs through May 24, marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, offering a timely reflection on the enduring legacy of nuclear weapons and their global impact.
Featuring works by Souya Handa, Layla Yamamoto, Kei Ito and Sixte Kakinda, it explores the complex intersections of history, memory and ethics surrounding nuclear technology. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the conversation, rooted in personal and historical narratives. Layla Yamamoto’s “birthday(red),” a striking 14-inch photograph, delves into postwar US-Japan relations through the lens of nuclear energy, while Kei Ito, a descendant of an atomic bomb survivor, focuses on the stories of downwinders—individuals affected by nuclear testing in the United States.
Sixte Kakinda, hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo—the source of uranium for the original Manhattan Project—adds a critical dimension to the exhibition by highlighting the global supply chain of nuclear materials. Curator Souya Handa’s own work interrogates the relationship between technology and social ethics, as well as issues of Asian and Japanese identity.
The exhibition’s title underscores the urgency of remembering and learning from history. As firsthand accounts of the atomic bombings become increasingly rare, the need to preserve and transmit these stories grows more pressing. This sentiment is amplified by the recent recognition of Nihon Hidankyo, the organisation representing hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024.
Originally conceived during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May 2023, the project has since travelled to Tokyo and now arrives in Manhattan—the birthplace of the United States’ nuclear weapons program. This geographic connection adds a layer of historical resonance to the exhibition, inviting viewers to reflect on the far-reaching consequences of decisions made decades ago.
“This exhibition is not just about remembering the past; it’s about ensuring that we do not repeat the mistakes of history,” said Souya Handa. “By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the global impact of nuclear weapons and inspire meaningful dialogue about our shared future.”
The opening reception will take place on Friday, March 28, from 6 to 8pm at apexart’s location, 291 Church Street in New York City. The “Take it Home, for (__) Shall Not Repeat the Error. [Manhattan Project]” exhibition was selected through apexart’s International Open Call and is supported by apexart’s program partners, including the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, among others.
For more information, visit apexart’s website, https://apexart.org/handa.php
•Featured image: Layla Yamamoto, birthday(red), photograph 14 in. x 14 in., 2017
