I define art as a form of creative expression that also includes emotion. This definition is vague because I think so many things can be classified as art. Both the artist and viewer must feel something when they observe the piece. Jeanne Wakatsuki describes the stigma and racial fear that Americans felt toward the Japanese during World War II. She describes her life in the relocation camp and her difficulty in finding who she is. She faces the dilemma is she Japanese or is she American?  Pablo Picasso, the painter, once said, “We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” Wakatsuki’s piece shares her experiences at the internment camp with the public. However, I believe that most personal writings, even when published, are written for ones self. The task of her writing the narrative forces her to reflect on her self and gain a deeper understanding of herself and her relation to her family. For example, Manzanar connected her to Western culture, especially the religion. However,  Manzanar had a much different effect on her father. It was his demise as he took up alcoholism and violence. Writing this narrative, may have acted as closure for Wakatsuki. It may have helped her assign meaning to a painful experience. That is art.

The painter, Edvard Munch said, ” Art grows out of grief and joy, but mainly grief. It is born of people’s lives.” Wakasuki’s experience is unique. It differs from an academic journal piece or shopping list because it provides insight into the person. It evokes compassion and horror from the readers. Also, it can be considered art because of its writing style. It reminded me of the writing style in Hiroshima. Both of them are written in “everyday” language. The writing style does not make the material difficult to digest, rather the content of the writing makes it difficult to read. This writing style and almost child-like naivety makes this piece all the more an artistic reflection of Manzanar.