Art Explores Asian-American Identity

Summary

The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, in collaboration with the Asian-Pacific American Program, presents 'Asian-American Portraits of Encounter,' an exhibit featuring seven Asian-American artists. Each artist expresses their unique experience, from Roger Shimomura’s challenge of racial stereotypes through self-portraits to C.Joo’s global exploration of Korean identity. The exhibit fosters dialogue, with pieces that range from powerful visual statements to cultural introspections. The diverse works challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to reflect on identity and belonging, aiming to provoke thought and conversation about the Asian-American experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Asian-Pacific American Program collaborated to showcase the work of seven Asian-American artists in the 'Asian-American Portraits of Encounter' exhibit.
• 😀 Each artist was given an entire exhibit room or hallway to display their work, with a focus on expressing what it means to be Asian-American.
• 😀 Roger Shimomura, a third-generation Japanese American artist, uses self-portraits to challenge racial stereotypes. His piece 'Shimamura Crossing the Delaware' is a reimagining of 'Washington Crossing the Delaware,' highlighting the absurdity of Asian Americans in positions of historical power.
• 😀 Shimomura's work is influenced by his personal experience in an internment camp during World War II, and his art critiques the racial prejudices he faced as a Japanese-American.
• 😀 Shisu Salamando, a California-born artist, explores her Japanese and Mexican heritage through art, aiming to challenge viewers' assumptions and stereotypes about ethnicity and identity.
• 😀 Fine art photographer Cjo, originally from South Korea, creates the 'Kopo Project,' a series of 240 portraits of ethnic Koreans worldwide, exploring the complexities of identity for Koreans living outside Korea.
• 😀 Zang Chang Hong (Hong Zang) uses charcoal drawings of long straight hair as a metaphor to explore her identity as an Asian-American woman, using traditional scroll paintings in her work.
• 😀 Performance artist Ha Yon Nam from Korea creates a four-part video self-portrait that addresses the struggle of adjusting to new cultural norms, depicting everyday functions as major challenges.
• 😀 Conrad In, director of the Smithsonian Asian-Pacific American Program, explains that the exhibit is designed to be a conversation starter rather than provide specific conclusions about Asian-American identity.
• 😀 The exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors to experience and reflect on the diverse and complex identities of Asian-Americans, with the hope of sparking ongoing questions and conversations about race and culture.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the exhibit 'Asian-American Portraits of Encounter' at the Smithsonian?

The exhibit showcases the work of seven Asian-American artists, with each artist using their art to express what it means to be Asian-American. The artists were each given a room or hallway to display their works.

How does Roger Shimomura's art challenge racial stereotypes?

Roger Shimomura’s art, specifically his self-portraits, challenges racial stereotypes by incorporating his own image to highlight the absurdity and complexity of Asian-American identity. His piece 'Shimamura Crossing the Delaware' reimagines the iconic painting 'Washington Crossing the Delaware,' placing himself as George Washington.

What historical experience influenced Roger Shimomura's work?

Roger Shimomura’s work is deeply influenced by his personal experience during World War II when he and his family were relocated to an internment camp. This experience of being treated as a threat due to his Japanese heritage informs much of his artwork.

What message does Shisu Salamando hope to convey through her artwork?

Shisu Salamando, who has Japanese and Mexican heritage, hopes to challenge viewers to question their own stereotypes and assumptions about people based on their appearance. She draws on the experiences of both ethnic groups that have faced discrimination.

Who is Cjo, and what is her 'Kopo Project' about?

Cjo is a fine art photographer who was born in South Korea, raised in the U.S., and is now based in Beijing. Her 'Kopo Project' consists of 240 full-body portraits of Koreans from around the world, showcasing her identity as a 'Kopo,' or ethnic Korean living outside Korea.

What kind of art does Zang Chang Hong create, and what themes does she explore?

Zang Chang Hong, also known as Hong Zang, is a Chinese-born artist who uses charcoal to create images of long, straight hair, which she presents as scroll paintings. Her work explores themes of identity, particularly as an Asian-American woman.

How does Ha Yon Nam use performance art to express her struggles?

Ha Yon Nam, a performance artist from Korea, uses a four-part video self-portrait to depict her struggles with adjusting to a new culture. The videos present everyday tasks as major challenges, reflecting her personal difficulties in adapting to life in the U.S.

What is the purpose of the exhibit according to Conrad In, the director of the Asian-Pacific American program?

Conrad In describes the exhibit as an opportunity for people to engage in a conversation about the Asian-American experience. The exhibit is not meant to deliver a specific conclusion but to provoke thought and encourage visitors to ask more questions about Asian-American identity.

What specific cultural and historical contexts do the artists in the exhibit address?

The artists in the exhibit address a variety of cultural and historical contexts, including racial stereotypes, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the experiences of ethnic Koreans living abroad, and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities as Asian-Americans.

How does the exhibit 'Asian-American Portraits of Encounter' aim to impact its visitors?

The exhibit aims to transform visitors by providing them with a deeper understanding of the Asian-American experience. By engaging with the art and reflecting on the questions it raises, visitors are encouraged to leave with a new perspective and a desire to continue exploring the topic.