The Japanese American National Museum is delighted to collaborate with Taiji Terasaki to present TRANSCENDIENTS: Heroes At Borders. Sharing the story of Japanese Americans—from the hardships and discrimination experienced during immigration, to the unjust and unconstitutional incarceration during World War II, to the fight for Redress and Reparations—lies at the core of the institution’s mission. Drawing from this, JANM welcomes the opportunity to focus further attention on the consequences of prejudice, fear, and misuses of power, along with “heroes” who confront and challenge the borders that are built to separate and exclude.
TRANSCENDIENTS, through multi-sensory experiences and provocative art, brings attention to both physical and conceptual borders and the people who have tirelessly worked towards inclusion, reconciliation, and understanding. Visitors are invited to question their assumptions, engage in thoughtful dialog with each other, and be inspired by heroes as they move through each space. Ultimately, this collaboration is intended to offer visitors opportunities to consider how they too, in their own ways, can contribute to a more just, fair, and compassionate society.
