Ep 8. Days Of Waiting

In the season 3 episode 8 of POV, titled "Days Of Waiting," we are introduced to the life and legacy of Japanese American artist Estelle Ishigo. Born and raised in California, Ishigo and her husband were living in Los Angeles when they were forcibly removed from their home and sent to an internment camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming during World War II.

Surrounded by barbed wire fences and facing discrimination and hardship, Ishigo used art to document her experience and lift the spirits of her fellow internees. She captured the stark and desolate landscape of the camp, as well as intimate moments with her fellow prisoners. Her paintings and sketches show the boredom, frustration, and loss that came with being uprooted from their homes and forced to live in such a desolate place.

Despite the bleakness of her surroundings, Ishigo found beauty in the smallest moments. She often painted pictures of the sunsets she saw from her window or the flowers that grew through the cracks in the concrete ground. Her positive outlook was a source of inspiration for others in the camp, and her artwork helped future generations understand the impact of internment on Japanese Americans.

After the war ended, Ishigo and her husband moved back to California, where they faced discrimination yet again. But instead of dwelling on the past, Ishigo continued to create art that celebrated the beauty of life. She focused on capturing the changing seasons, the unique architecture of Los Angeles, and other everyday scenes that were often overlooked.

Throughout the episode, we see interviews with Ishigo's family and friends, as well as historians and curators who reflect on the importance of her work. We also get a glimpse into Ishigo's life through archival footage and personal journals, which were discovered after her death.

"Days Of Waiting" is a moving tribute to the strength and resilience of Estelle Ishigo, as well as the thousands of other Japanese Americans who were forced to endure internment during WWII. Her artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of xenophobia and bigotry on entire communities. The episode also highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating the art and history of marginalized communities, and how they continue to inspire future generations.