Photography by Shane Sato
Exhibit runs from August 6 — September 20
ARTIST TALK: 7–7:45pm
RECEPTION: 7:45–8:45pm
Artist Statement
I have been photographing Japanese American Nisei veterans for the past eighteen years. I started this project because I wanted to photograph veterans in an artistic way and share the stories that needed to be remembered for the next generation. The Nisei almost universally never talked about their war experiences, so I felt it was necessary to share what they could not.
I printed the images dark and “contrasty” for a feeling of mystery and bravery, desaturating the colors for a more somber mood. The deconstructed frames represent the Nisei veterans' resilience. Whether they were fighting on the battlefield or imprisoned in “camps,” the inner fortitude or “Gaman” they showed was stronger than steel. My goal is for people to feel inspired by the triumphs of the Nisei, and also show the complex range of emotions these men must have felt fighting for this country…a country that did not fight for them.
Artist Bio
Shane Sato has spent most of his career working in publicity and advertising in the United States and in Asia. He has worked in many aspects in the Asian American community, photographing for movies, magazine and events for over thirty years.
This program has received funding from Utah Humanities.
The Utah Chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) helped in organizing this event.
NOTE: The Main Library's Rooftop Terrace is closed through 2020 for repairs and renovations.
Salt Lake City's Main Library, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie in conjunction with VCBO Architecture, opened in February 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally unique structures in Utah. This striking 240,000 square-foot structure houses more than 500,000 books and other materials, yet serves as more than just a repository of books and computers. It reflects and engages the city's imagination and aspirations. The structure embraces a public plaza, with shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and a 300-seat auditorium.
A multi-level reading area along the Glass Lens at the southern facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains beyond. Spiraling fireplaces on four floors resemble a column of flame from the vantage of 200 East and 400 South. The Urban Room between the Library and the Crescent Wall is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight and open to magnificent views.
