“Obras de Luz: Works of Light,” a 40-year history of the Japanese American community through the lens of photojournalist Mario Gershom Reyes, will be on view at the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo, from Dec. 6 to Jan. 5.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m.
At The Rafu Shimpo, Reyes has documented the milestones, the tragedies, and the victories of the Japanese American community in Los Angeles. This pop-up exhibition features photographs that record the moments and people that make up life in Little Tokyo, from Nisei Week Parades and political protests to schoolchildren and sports stars.
Reyes was born in Mexico City and immigrated with his parents to L.A. when he was four years old. He started working at The Rafu as a senior at Roosevelt High School. Through his work, he was a fixture in the Japanese American community for four decades.
“During the day, I lived in Japanese culture, then I’d go home and go back to living in Mexican culture at night,” said Reyes, who retired earlier in 2024.
Donations in support of this exhibition and Reyes’ photographs are being accepted.
For more information, call (213) 625-0414 or visit www.janm.org.