Discover Nikkei Logo

https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/events/2010/04/15/2405/

The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946

Exhibition
In Person
Renwick Gallery
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. (at 17th Street) District of Columbia, United States of America

Date: April 15, 2010 – Jan. 30, 2011



The Art of Gaman showcases arts and crafts made by Japanese Americans in U.S. internment camps during World War II.

The exhibition features more than 120 objects, most of which are on loan from former internees or their families. The display at the Renwick Gallery includes several objects that have not been seen publicly, including works by Ruth Asawa, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, Isamu Noguchi, Henry Sugimoto, and master woodworkers Gentaro and Shinzaburo Nishiura. It presents historical context through archival photographs, artifacts, and documentary films. The exhibition is organized by San Francisco-based author and guest curator Delphine Hirasuna, and is based on her 2005 book The Art of Gaman, published by Ten Speed Press.

The exhibition is presented under the honorary patronage of The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta. Mr. Mineta, a former Congressman, Secretary of Transportation, and Regent of the Smithsonian, was interned as a child at Heart Mountain in Wyoming.

Special exhibition galleries, 1st floor, Renwick Gallery
March 5, 2010 – January 30, 2011
Credit
The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946 is presented at the Renwick Gallery, with the cooperation of the Japanese American Citizens League, San Francisco Chapter. The James Renwick Alliance, Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, Nion McEvoy, and Cary Frieze provided support for the exhibition.

Location
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. (at 17th Street)
Washington, D.C. 20006
Museum Information (recorded): (202) 633-7970
Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000
TTY: (202) 633-5285
http://americanart.si.edu/visit/images/saam_map.pdf


Art of Gaman (exhibition) arts Delphine Hirasuna

Profile image of intrepidmouse
intrepidmouse Updated Dec. 7, 2024

Nikkei Events

From festivals and exhibitions to workshops and film screenings, find out what Nikkei-related events are happening virtually or near you! Remember, your participation is an important part of building a stronger community! FAQ

New Site Design

See exciting new changes to Discover Nikkei. Find out what’s new and what’s coming soon!
Learn More

Upcoming virtual events

June 22, 2025 | In Person / Virtual Gardena, California, United States of America
Irei no Hi: Remembering the Battle of Okinawa (Free Screening of Short Documentaries) – HYBRID
Profile image of oaamensore oaamensore
July 7, 2025 - July 28, 2025 | Virtual
Manga for Teens: Shojo Manga Characters
Profile image of JSeducation JSeducation
July 10, 2025 - July 31, 2025 | Virtual
Manga for Teens: Manga Portraiture
Profile image of JSeducation JSeducation

Discover Nikkei Updates

DISCOVER NIKKEI PROGRAM
July 12 • Burnaby, British Columbia
Join us for a book talk, reception, and panel discussion on Japanese Canadian history. The panel discussion will also be live-streamed via Zoom!
NIKKEI CHRONICLES #14
Nikkei Family 2: Remembering Roots, Leaving Legacies
Baachan, grandpa, tía, irmão… what does Nikkei family mean to you? Submit your story!
SUPPORT THE PROJECT
Discover Nikkei’s 20 for 20 campaign celebrates our first 20 years and jumpstarts our next 20. Learn more and donate!