“The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps” by Delphine Hirasuna is an important and necessary piece of history. It shines a light on art created as a means of survival—many of which were so long overlooked, or hidden due to the deep cultural shame associated with the Internment Camp experience.
Not surprisingly, her book evolved into an exhibition for The Smithsonian, which even included objects by artists such as Isamu Noguchi and Ruth Asawa, as well as every day shopkeepers, farmers, gardeners and fishermen. The book went through its final printing in 2010, but I have made it my personal mission to get it back in print. I strongly believe it needs to be available and accessible to a new generation of readers, creatives, and art lovers. Join me in this important cause and add your name to the petition.
All my thanks,
Dana Tanamachi, Designer & Illustrator
@dana_tanamachi, tanamachistudio.com