Online Exhibition
Wakaji Matsumoto—An Artist in Two Worlds: Los Angeles and Hiroshima, 1917–1944 highlights an artist’s rare photographs of the Japanese American community in Los Angeles prior to World War II and urban life in Hiroshima prior to the 1945 atomic bombing of the city.
Browse this exhibition’s resources below which include essays by Dennis Reed, the curator of the exhibition, and Karen Matsumoto, Wakaji’s granddaughter; educational activities; and related resources.
Exhibition Resources
Two Worlds: The Life and Photography of Wakaji Matsumoto
By Dennis Reed
Reed’s essay delves into Wakaji Matsumoto’s life as a farmer turned photographer in Los Angeles and Hiroshima. The essay, published in three parts, especially explores his artistic approach to photography.
Wakaji Matsumoto: An Artist in Two Worlds
By Karen Matsumoto
Matsumoto’s essay explores how her grandfather turned into an extraordinary photographer who documented the agricultural life of Japanese American farmers in Los Angeles and the daily activities of Hiroshima.
Educational activity
Bring Wakaji Matsumoto’s photography into your classroom with three photo analysis activities designed to encourage close looking, critical thinking, and thoughtful interpretation. All activities and materials created by Karen Matsumoto.
PHOTO ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES COMPARING IMAGES WORKSHEET
Note: The Photo Analysis Activities is a Microsoft PowerPoint file (36.24 MB).
Related Resources
Making Waves: Japanese American Photography, 1920–1940
Curated by Dennis Reed, this 2016 exhibition took an in-depth look at the lost legacy of Issei photographers’ work in still life, nature, landscape, and portraiture. The exhibition examined issues of artistic and personal freedom as well as Japanese American contributions to modern art. Many of these photographers were Wakaji’s contemporaries.
The catalog is available at the JANM Store! JANM Members receive a 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com. PURCHASE NOW
Honor and Sacrifice: The Roy Matsumoto Story
Co-produced by Karen Matsumoto, this film tells the story of her father’s journey from early hardship to a concentration camp and ultimately, to the stature of an authentic American hero.
The DVD is available at the JANM Store! JANM Members receive a 10% discount at the JANM Store and janmstore.com.