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