A new pop-up exhibition at Thomas Square tells the story of Hawaii’s immigrants.
The exhibition titled “Transcendients” seeks immigration portraits and stories from Hawaii residents.
Taiji Terasaki, artist and executive director of the exhibition, said the nation’s immigration debate spurred the idea for the community-driven exhibit.
“We are determined to get out there and get the story of immigrants that have come through Hawaii,” he said. “We’re collecting stories, we’re talking to politicians, we’re talking to scholars. It is an art exhibit, so it will be very poetic.”
Audio recordings will be played throughout the exhibit to create an immersive experience, Terasaki said. Portraits will be projected through vapor mists, he said.
Terasaki’s parents were prisoners at the Japanese internment camps during World War II. He encourages the public to participate and to submit portraits and stories.
“Please support immigrants and refugees,” he said.
The exhibit is open daily March 8 to 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no admission fee.
Visit terasakiexhibitions.org for more information.