Veiled Inscriptions; New Work and Site Photographs - Solo Exhibition by Dean K. Terasaki

‘Veiled Inscriptions, New Work and Site Photographs’ will include the newest photomontages by Dean K. Terasaki at Modified Arts Gallery in collaboration with the Eye Lounge Collective. Dean Terasaki's current project, Veiled Inscriptions, explores the experiences of Japanese Americans during their illegal WWII incarceration. The project is based on letters written by Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned in ten incarceration camps. The letters, which were hidden for nearly 70 years, were mail order requests sent to his family’s pharmacy. Terasaki reveals stories of mystery, isolation, and loss by combining these letters with his own site photographs made in what remains of the historic camps. He offers a poignant perspective on a tragic chapter in American history, highlighting the enduring spirit of the Japanese American people. A selection of Terasaki’s photographs made at the incarceration sites will also be on display. Last summer, Terasaki’s project was published by Fraction Magazine (Issue 177) and won awards at both the Houston Center for Photography (juried by Leo Hsu) as well as the Photographic Resource Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Leo Hsu wrote about the Veiled Inscriptions project, “Terasaki, acting as both witness and custodian of historical memory, in a way repatriates the letter to the letter writer, honoring the ask for aid.” Terasaki’s work has very recently been recognized for support by the City of Phoenix’s Office of Arts and Culture Artists to Work grant program. The exhibition will be on display from February 21 to March 16, 2025 with a Third Friday opening reception taking place on February 21 from 6-9 PM. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Images: Block 29-Barrack 5-Apartment B / Heart Mountain incarceration camp, Wyoming; 2024 (detail) Archival Pigment Print Opening Reception Date: February 21, 2025 Time: 6-9pm Location: Modified Arts 407 E. Roosevelt St. (on Roosevelt Row) Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Gallery Hours Fridays: 6 PM - 9 PM Saturdays: 1 PM - 5 PM Sundays: 11 AM - 3 PM