‘American/Asian: A Tale of New Cultures’ examines cultural identity of Asian-Pacific Americans in the Northwest
SEATTLE— Heritage, identity, history, memory, coexistence and freedom are just a few of the themes investigated in the exhibition “American/Asian: A Tale of New Cultures” on view April 15 through June 14 at City Hall.
Curated by ArtXchange Gallery, the exhibition presents works by 14 regional artists who explore their identity as Asian-Pacific Americans in thePacific Northwest. The artworks include mixed media, painting, photography, encaustic and scroll cut wood sculpture.
“American/Asian: A Tale of New Cultures” is on display in the City Hall Lobby Gallery and Anne Focke Gallery (located on the L-2 level of City Hall), 600 Fourth Ave.. Gallery hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (206) 684-7171 or visitwww.seattle.gov/arts. Meet the artists at a reception, 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 22 at City Hall.
The exhibition features artworks by MalPina Chan, Carina A. del Rosario, Deborah Kapoor, Chiyo Sanada with Barbara McConkey, June Sekiguchi, Arun Sharma, William Song, Joseph Songco, Jonathan Wakuda Fischer, Barry Wong, Dean Wong, Frederic Wong, and Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw.
Barry Wong’s still-life photographs – often centered around food and the essence of an ingredient – are from a series inspired by his memories and experiences as a Chinese-American. Wong has received numerous awards as a documentary photographer at The Seattle Times and was a finalist for a team Pulitzer Prize in photography.
Jonathan Wakuda Fischer’s paintings use contemporary urban graffiti techniques, such as spray paint and stencils, to reference the ancient art of ukiyo-e, or Japanese woodblock printing.
Chiyo Sanada’s works preserve the art of “shodo” (Japanese calligraphy). Sanada graduated from Hiroshima Bunkyo Women’s University inHiroshima, Japan, with a degree in Japanese and Chinese calligraphy. She now creates and teaches calligraphy in the Pacific Northwest.
The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.