The Suitcase Project

The Suitcase Project asks fourth and fifth-generation Japanese Canadians and Americans what they would pack if uprooted from their homes at a moment’s notice.

While these descendants of the internment and incarceration may never have to endure the same forced uprooting as their ancestors, Kayla Isomura’s work examines how they and those descended from families who experienced other forms of discrimination, remain affected by this history today through a series of photographs, short films and interviews.

Over the course of nearly three months, more than 80 subjects ranging in age and background shared their stories from cities in British Columbia, Canada and Washington, USA.

upcoming

Sidney Museum
2423 Beacon Ave L-3, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5
April 4 – July 2, 2022


suitcaseproject.ca
Self-portrait (2017) for The Suitcase Project

exhibitions

The Suitcase Project is currently touring.

TBA

2025 (dates and location TBA)

Chilliwack Museum

45820 Spadina Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1T3
Dates TBA, 2023

Sidney Museum

2423 Beacon Ave L-3, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5
April 4 – July 2, 2022

Peace Gallery

National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS)
1684 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Feb. 1 – July 18, 2020

Arbutus Gallery

Cowichan Valley Arts Council
2687 James St, Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
July 5 – July 26, 2019

Nikkei National Museum

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
June 18 – Sept. 2, 2018

Booking requests

To book The Suitcase Project for display, email Nichola at the Nikkei National Museum.

jcnm [@] nikkeiplace [.] org

Public speaking

For interviews and public speaking engagements, connect with Kayla directly.

kayla [@] kaylaisomura [.] com