By: Taiji Terasaki in Collaboration with
the Japanese American National Museum
Curated by: Emily Anderson, PhD
Presented by: Japanese American National Museum

TRANSCENDIENTS is a unique collaboration between artist Taiji Terasaki and JANM that honors HEROES AT BORDERS: individuals that advocate and fight for those who face discrimination, prejudice and inequity at borders both physical and conceptual. These heroes, whether known or unsung, inspire their fellow Americans, their neighborhoods and communities, government policy, and social change. By illuminating their stories, we hope to educate museumgoers about their work and inspire a spirit of unity and action in support of democracy and justice for all.

This exhibition spotlights important figures working to overcome and transcend borders that reinforce discrimination, inequity, and intolerance. Whether it be those fighting to rectify human rights injustices and to counter anti-immigrant sentiments and actions, members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking equal rights, women pressing for equal pay, or religious adherents who want to worship in safety, these heroes use their personal experiences to build bridges of understanding that connect us at the core of our collective humanity. It is imperative that those who believe in freedom, fairness, and social justice are emboldened to unite and support the forces of democracy and human decency. These concerns–their echoes in history and their far-reaching future impact–are the impetus for this unique collaboration between artist Taiji Terasaki and JANM.