The Art of Gaman

Yesterday I went to the Art of Gaman exhibit at the Renwick Gallery, one of the Smithsonians. The art was all created by those interned in American camps during WWI because of they were of Japanese origin (2/3 of the 120,000 were born in the U.S.)  

The boys interned in the camps were still drafted by the U.S. army.  Their mothers would create vests that included 1,000 knots.  Each knot was tied by a well-wisher in the community- each a promise that the boy would be remembered while he was gone, a hope he would return, and another set of fingers-crossed.  The one in the gallery had a ferocious tiger on the back.  It was worn by a boy serving in Italy. 

The art on display was made of toothpicks, firewood, and pipe cleaners formed into flowers stored under industrial sized empty mayo jars.  They drew mountains, barracks, and a man being shot.

I highly recommend this exhibit- it will take you only 20 minutes to see it all and it is free.  All you have to do is let the friendly guard search your bag.  I didn't have a chance to see the rest of the gallery but I'd go back.  It's location on 17th and Pennsylvania makes for great people watching and easy access.  Just remember- when you walk down Pennsylvania to see the White House, you'll be looking at the back of Obama's house.