The Suitcase Project makes its debut in the United States with the full exhibition on display at NJAHS in San Francisco, California.
More TBA.
NJAHS
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stories from the bay: seeking participants + support!
In Spring 2020, I will be visiting the exhibit for a related program. I am grateful to NJAHS for making this possible. During this time, I would like to take the opportunity to expand stories in The Suitcase Project by interviewing and photographing yonsei and gosei (fourth and fifth generation) Japanese Americans in the Bay area.
WHY EXPAND THE PROJECT?
Expanding The Suitcase Project has been a goal of mine since creating works in 2018 for the original exhibit. After interviewing 60 yonsei and gosei in Vancouver and Seattle, it quickly became clear why we need to share our stories. Not only has this work opened dialogues in the community about our relationships with the history of our ancestors and present day injustices, but it's also created a space for us to connect with ourselves and each other.
Aside from incorporating local stories into the exhibit at NJAHS, I can continue exploring how our environments have impacted our identities as yonsei and gosei.
WHAT'S NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE?
I am looking for yonsei, gosei, and rokusei to participate in The Suitcase Project from the Bay area. All ages, identities, and backgrounds are welcome.
Photos and interviews will take place in April 2020, and require me to do so in your place of living. Final works will be presented as a digital component online and in the exhibit at NJAHS.
I HAVE A QUESTION
Inquiries can be emailed to: PROJECTS [at] KAYLAISOMURA [dot] COM.
