No Bones

"They hardly ever talked about that experience. It made later generations curious and interested in a little-known experience of those who came before them. For later generations, it was the skeleton with no bones in the closet." -Ken Mochizuki

Many younger Japanese Americans did not hear the incarceration story from their elders, who faced racism and hostility upon returning “home” after WWII. Staying silent was a means of self-preservation. To protect their children, parents told them, “Keep your head down,” work hard, don’t speak up and don’t stand out.

These handkerchiefs are for tears not shed, marked with Japanese shibori patterns of clenched teeth and barbed wire. I hope my work helps release the pain, shame and anger passed down through generations. –Artist statement