Abstract

On December 7, 1941, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor led to widespread fear and suspicion toward Japanese Americans, culminating in their forced relocation and internment. This controversial decision resulted in the loss of homes and businesses, with internees given little time to prepare. Once in the camps, they faced harsh conditions but displayed remarkable resilience, creating gardens, renovating facilities, and organizing art classes within a month. While reparations for this event have been paid, the narrative is largely in the hands of the oppressors rather than the oppressed. The artwork produced during this time offers valuable insight into the experiences of the victims of U.S brutality which has been largely ignored.

Historians often reference the works of Miné Okubo, Dorothea Lange, and Ansel Adams to understand the emotional and social impact of internment. However, much of this art was produced under the strict oversight of the War Relocation Authority (WRA), raising questions about its authenticity and reliability as historical sources.

To Lie or Clarify:  An Analysis of Power in Japanese Internment through Art and Photography aims to explore lesser-known artists' works to uncover alternative narratives, examining how art served both as a form of resistance and as a tool for government propaganda. By analyzing these works alongside personal memoirs, the study will offer a more comprehensive perspective on internment and challenge the government-controlled narrative.