Beyond Manzanar, the artistic commentary on the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WW II and Iranian Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979-80 brought community members together to discuss the issues of civil liberties and voice their concerns in the post September 11th era.

The virtual reality artwork created by artists Tamiko Thiel and Zara Houshmand invites viewers into a 3D world inside the gates of Manzanar, one of the 10 relocation camps where Japanese Americans were interned in 1942. The virtual expedition transforms into Iranian gardens and Iranian homes, intertwined with images and commentaries on the war, and raises questions about the civil rights of all Americans during times of crisis.

The artists invite you to explore the world of Beyond Manzanar and appreciate your comments and ideas.

Beyond Manzanar is a permanent exhibit at the San Jose Museum of Art, 110 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113 408-271-6840.