Crossings: 10 Views of America's Concentration Camps
April 2 - June 21, 2009

See the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II through the eyes of ten unique artists from the past and the present. Featuring several never before displayed works from the Museum’s collections, Crossings places art created during the war alongside contemporary work to demonstrate how artists can provide insight into a dark episode in American history and expose its lasting impact on a community generations later. The exhibition serves as a literal crossing point between generations, an intersection where memory, history, and community are formed and transformed.

Gokurosama: Contemporary Photographs of the Nisei in Hawai'i
February 14 - May 24, 2009

Gokurōsama: Contemporary Photographs of the Nisei in Hawai‘i is an exhibition of 35 black & white portraits by Honolulu photographer Brian Y. Sato. The term gokurōsama, which is used to express appreciation of someone’s hard work and sacrifice, embodies the spirit and cultural heritage of these second-generation (Nisei) Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i. Starting in 2002, Sato photographed more than 70 Nisei from O‘ahu and the other neighboring islands, determined to capture their images on an individual, and very personal level.

Fighting For Democracy: Who is the "We" in "We, the People"?
February 9 - May 17, 2009

TRAVELING EXHIBITION

Through the diverse perspectives of seven ordinary citizens whose lives and communities were forever changed by World War II, this exhibition asks visitors to think critically about freedom, history, and, ultimately, the ongoing struggle to live democratically in a diverse America.

Dreams to Dreams
December 2, 2008 - January 25, 2009

EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 25

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT

The Japanese American National Museum in association with Dacosta of Chocolate Soop bring you the first custom vinyl toy show in a museum.

Just in time for the holidays, 40-50 artists will customize Chocolate Soop’s DCTO (Dream Come True Object), a futuristic vinyl version of a traditional Japanese New Year’s folk toy. Artwork will be on display and on sale at the Museum through the month of December and through the Museum’s Oshogatsu celebration. Pieces from this show will also be available for sale online in December on the Museum Store Online.

20 Years Ago Today: Supporting Visual Artists in L.A.
October 4, 2008 - January 11, 2009

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the California Community Foundation’s Fellowships for Visual Artists, this exhibition illustrates the cultural emergence of Los Angeles as seen through the development of visual artists.

Since the fellowships were first awarded in 1988, L.A.’s arts landscape has changed considerably. Today, the milieu of the city’s art is receiving increased global recognition. This exhibition fosters increased appreciation of the visual arts, especially among diverse artists in Los Angeles.

Fighting For Democracy: Who is the "We" in "We, the People"?
July 29, 2008 - January 18, 2009

TRAVELING EXHIBITION

Through the diverse perspectives of seven ordinary citizens whose lives and communities were forever changed by World War II, this exhibition asks visitors to think critically about freedom, history, and, ultimately, the ongoing struggle to live democratically in a diverse America.

Glorious Excess (Born): Paintings by Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda
July 12 - August 3, 2008

Special Engagement

Musician/producer/artist Mike Shinoda premieres Glorious Excess (Born), a brand-new series of paintings and digital work, in the George T. and Sakaye Aratani Central Hall. The exhibition, which is presented in two parts, features large-scale pieces that blend his own experiences in the superstar spotlight with pop commentary and classical vanitas influences.

Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art
June 15 - September 7, 2008

Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art is an innovative exhibition that showcases the traditional Japanese art of ikebana alongside cutting-edge contemporary art. For centuries, ikebana has been displayed in conjunction with traditional Asian art. In Living Flowers, arrangements by masters of the Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu schools of ikebana will be juxtaposed with the works of international artists. The exhibition explores how Japanese traditions have been maintained and transformed in our present-day world, while simultaneously highlighting the influence and impact of Japanese aesthetics on the art of today.

kip fulbeck: part asian, 100% hapa
March 10 - May 30, 2008

TRAVELING EXHIBITION

Asian/Pacific/American Institute at New York University
41-51 East 11th Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10003

kip fulbeck: part asian, 100% hapa is an exhibition of portraits by artist Kip Fulbeck, who traveled the country photographing more than 1,000 Hapa of all ages and walks of life. Originally a derogatory label derived from the Hawaiian word for half, the word Hapa has been embraced as a term of pride by many whose mixed-race heritage includes Asian or Pacific Rim ancestry.

One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now
February 10 - May 4, 2008

One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now, a traveling exhibition organized by the Asia Society, brings together seventeen artists from across the United States who challenge and extend the category of Asian American art. The title of the exhibition, drawn from the 1978 Blondie hit song, suggests a non-formulaic way of making or seeing art. The artists and their works characterize the freedom to choose, manipulate and reinvent different kinds of languages and issues, whether formal, conceptual, or political. Together, they defy a definitive conception of Asian American art.