Japanese American National Museum is conveniently located at 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. Admission is $6.00 adults and $3.00 Students (w/Identification); the museum is free every Thursday from 5 to 8pm and every third Thursday of the month. .
My experience of the museum was very convenient. I was inside the museum with my friend within 5 minutes after parking my car. Right after the admission's counter was the "Painting of the Month", titled "Double Happiness (2000)" by New York based artist Tomie Arai (b. 1949). Due to my Ignorance about artists and exotic paintings, I couldn't understand a thing about it. However, I gathered the fact that the "title of this piece refers to an auspicious character typically displayed in Chinese wedding celebrations" and it was created "while serving a residency at self-help graphics and art in east Los Angeles as part of the Arts and Mid-Atlantic Arts foundation." Since the painting was created recently, my reaction was not very intense. In today's society, almost all cultures are welcomed.
Moving on, an exhibition was on display towards the left side of hall. I didn't find the exhibition very interesting which was about exotic flowers, plants, and crafts by American Japanese. After reaching the far end on the main floor, Lenticular Prints attracted me right away. Lenticular Prints was first demonstrated by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Lippman in 1908. "When looking at a lenticular image, as your angel or view changes you see first one image and then another. If you use enough images, you can actually create a short video-like sequence." (www.shortcourses.com) The particular print which amazed me most was by Patrick "Pato" Hebert, comprised of three different family portraits. I realized that Japanese Americans were current on new inventions and incorporated it in their daily lives. Among other things which attracted me were a projected statue, postcards written to/from family members, and a modern statue of today's time.
