About the exhibit
This exhibit examines photos from the time of Japanese American internment (c. 1941-1946). We chose to specifically focus on the pictures of children and their representation in the historical context at large. The exhibit is split into four parts: the change in children's expressions, the use of children as objects, the context of children in photographs, and children of Tule lake. This is a unique perspective on internment because children were photographed differently than adults and there is significantly less research focused on children in internment. This research is important because children's representation is more candid and therefore represents the realities of internment more clearly. However, it is important to keep in mind that adults took, captioned, and distributed the pictures. These elements affect the way these pictures are viewed and understood in historical context. To truly understand Japanese internment, one must pay attention to the photographs depicting children and the adult ideals influencing the pictures. This exhibit provides four specific ways of looking at children in Japanese internment photos, but this examination is not exhaustive. There are countless other lenses through which to view these pictures, and many more photos to analyze. We invite you to explore the Densho archive and define your own analytical lenses.
These texts are all connected by their focus on photography. Jacqueline, Matt, and Izzy all analyze the progression of photography over time. Ashley and Jacqueline focus on the impact of a specific photographer on the subject of the picture. Matt and Izzy both compare the faces and expressions over time and place.
These texts are all connected by their focus on photography. Jacqueline, Matt, and Izzy all analyze the progression of photography over time. Ashley and Jacqueline focus on the impact of a specific photographer on the subject of the picture. Matt and Izzy both compare the faces and expressions over time and place.