Masters of Modern Design: The Art of the Japanese American Experience (DVD)

Co-produced by JANMs Watase Media Arts Center and KCET for the series ARTBOUND.

From the hand-drawn typeface on the cover of The Godfather to Herman Millers biomorphic coffee table, the work of Japanese American designers including Ruth Asawa, George Nakashima, Isamu Noguchi, S. Neil Fujita, and Gyo Obata permeated postwar culture. While these second generation Japanese American artists have been celebrated, less-discussed is how their World War II incarceration a period of intense hardship and discrimination sent them on trajectories that eventually led to their changing the face of American culture with their immense talents.

Running time: 56 min. BONUS TRACK: Masters of Modern Design: Kay Sekimachi Running time 8 min.