The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie presents “Resilience — A Sansei Sense of Legacy,” a poignant exhibition showcasing the artwork of third-generation Japanese Americans (sansei). This exhibit, curated by Jerry Takigawa and Gail Enns, explores the lasting impact of the World War II internment of their parents and grandparents on their lives and communities. The exhibition runs through June 1st before moving to a museum in Oklahoma.
A central piece is Kristine Aono’s “Daruma of Resilience II,” a wall installation featuring Daruma, a Buddhist monk symbolizing resilience. Visitors are invited to add their own wishes on sticky notes, creating a participatory element that underscores the ongoing relevance of the themes. Aono, who grew up in the Chicago area, explains that her parents, like many others, remained silent about their internment experiences for years, driven by a desire to prove their loyalty to the U.S. or a lingering sense of shame. This silence underscores the importance of this exhibition in giving voice to these long-held experiences.
The exhibition features a diverse range of artistic mediums, including acrylic paintings by Roger Shimomura, which vividly depict the harsh realities of the internment camps. A striking kimono-shaped community quilt, titled “Chicago is Home,” showcases family crests, local buildings, and a ladder symbolizing the connection between past and future dreams. This piece, a collaborative effort of Japanese American artists, highlights the growth of the Chicago Japanese American community after the war, which swelled due to factory jobs, and the strength found within the community. The quilt’s creation involved contributions from local families, the Japanese American Service Committee, Northeastern Illinois University, the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, and the Chicago Japanese American Council. Accompanying photographs offer further glimpses into the lives of Japanese Americans in Chicago during the 1940s and 50s.
Other notable works include Wendy Maruyama’s replica identification tags of imprisoned Japanese Americans, hanging in twelve-foot bundles from the ceiling, and Reiko Fujii’s glass kimono incorporating photographs from her documentary, “Detained Alien Enemy.” These diverse pieces collectively paint a powerful picture of the internment’s impact, exploring themes of dispossession, confinement, and the ongoing concerns for immigrant communities.
Aono’s personal connection to the subject is deeply felt in her work. Her parents, who were incarcerated in Arkansas and Idaho respectively, only spoke vaguely about their experiences. It wasn’t until Aono’s own research and visits to the former camp sites that she uncovered the full extent of their ordeal. This led to Aono’s creation of “Daruma of Resilience II,” which not only commemorates the internment but also connects it to broader struggles for justice and equality. Aono reflects on the continued fight for these ideals and the need for ongoing vigilance against racism and bigotry.
Arielle Weininger, the museum’s chief curator, emphasizes the exhibition’s educational goals, hoping visitors will gain a deeper understanding of generational trauma and its artistic expression. The exhibition serves as a vital reminder of a dark chapter in American history and a testament to the resilience and artistic expression of the Japanese American community.