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Globe and Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Language of Visibility: Asian Art Community Redefining Ways of Seeing
On May 10, 2025, the Li Tang Community and THE BLANC collaboratively launched Language of Visibility, a series of exhibitions and events celebrating the growth and achievements of the Asian art diaspora over the past five years. At the center of Language of Visibility is the group exhibition Collective Marks and Strokes of Imagination, which brings together thirty-one artists and collectives. The exhibition presents a rich body of work spanning video, painting, installation, performance, and multimedia experimentation. Collective Marks and Strokes of Imagination reflects on the five-year journey of the Li Tang Community since its founding in early 2020 and marks another critical milestone following its third-anniversary retrospective, Echoes of Home, held on Roosevelt Island, New York. This exhibition highlights the ongoing investigations of artists from diverse backgrounds as they continue to push the boundaries of creativity and aesthetic expression, navigating the complex intersections of globalization and identity. Language of Visibility is not only a dialogue proposed by the Li Tang Community and THE BLANC to the Asian art diaspora but also a critical inquiry into the 'language of seeing.' British critic John Berger argues in his monograph Ways of Seeing (1972) that seeing is not a neutral act of perception but a constructed process—one shaped by ideology, systems of power, and cultural context. What we 'see' is often no more than a projection of the knowledge and beliefs we have internalized within a social system. In an age overwhelmed by images, it has become increasingly critical for artists to develop new languages of seeing grounded in their cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. In addition, 'seeing and being seen' has remained a central concern for the Asian art diaspora within the globalized contemporary art system. The Language of Visibility examines how images and artworks are perceived and, more importantly, interrogates who holds the power to see and to be seen. How should the Asian art diaspora be presented, interpreted, and understood? Visibility here becomes a form of active visibility, differentiated visibility, and existential visibility—a way of interpreting and seeing that emerges from within complex multicultural structures. Amy Park's work, We All Have a Thirst for Connection, draws from multiple disciplines, including fashion design, material studies, and sculptural language. Through techniques such as weaving, interlacing, layering, and stitching, she integrates traditional textile craftsmanship into contemporary canvas. Park's practice often explores the emotional bonds and relationships between human beings. The use of soft materials and repetitive movement also carries specific cultural significance—through the interplay of line and texture, she gazes back to the traditions of female labor and material use in East Asian art history, ultimately transforming them into a new visual language that embodies emotional flow, layered identity, and cultural memory. Ami Park, We All Have a Thirst for Connection, Cotton rope, yarn, and fabric on canvas, 36 x 36 x 1.7 in, 2021 Cheng Gong's series Culinary Canvases places fresh meat and seafood, sourced from everyday life in New York's Chinatown, into the composition of Western oil painting. In his work, Stir-fried Pork with Pepper, daily ingredients from home cooking—pork knuckles, pork belly, chili peppers, ginger, and garlic—are presented in a floating and surreal state. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of Dutch still life, crimson fabrics and a symmetrical, grounded tabletop generate a tension and visual restraint, incorporating these ingredients with a sense of ritual and gravity. Food is not only an inseparable part of cultural identity but also a material vessel for memory, migration, and belonging. Through reconstructions of 'table scenes,' Gong evokes the sensory world of the immigrant gourmand while prompting viewers to reflect: What is the taste of home? Cheng Gong, Culinary Canvases-01. Stir-fried Pork with Pepper, Medium format digital camera, 38.55 x 34 x 2 in,2023 Sao Tanaka's Imitation of Nature #02 integrates the philosophical and conceptual elements of traditional ink painting with the visual language of modern art. Drawing on the brushwork of classical landscape painting, she constructs rhythms in which emptiness and fullness, distance and proximity coexist. Within the temporal and philosophical dimensions embedded in ink art, Tanaka intentionally 'breaks' into the elegant scene with a rainbow-colored waterfall, allowing the sensory intensity and freedom of modernism to disrupt the peace of traditional landscapes. This deliberate 'displacement' and 'visual paradox' inserts historical motifs into a contemporary context marked by restlessness and uncertainty. The final presentation speaks of a disruption derived from the encounter of Eastern and Western painting techniques, past and present—a visual gesture that signals a forward step, grounded in the return gaze. Sao Tanaka, Imitation of Nature #02, Material Sumi ink, gold, paint acrylic oil paint on mulberry paper, 30 x 21 in, 2025 Alongside the leading exhibition Collective Marks and Strokes of Imagination, three independent curatorial projects were added to offer diverse perspectives on Language of Visibility. Phil Cai's Open Kitchen – Fusion expands the definition of 'installation' into a more philosophical and dynamic form of experimentation, blending text-based practices with critical reflections on the dislocated status of Asian contemporary art within the global art landscape and system. Chiarina Chen's from the settled edge transforms the traditional white cube gallery wall into a time-specific, multimedia, memory-infused canvas that presents the displacement experienced by immigrants. Seoyoung Kim's Tracing… … … showcases artists' investigations into materiality as a means of representing social structures, histories of labor, and the characteristics of cultural symbols, reflecting the tensions and nostalgia between collective narratives and individual memory. In addition, the Li Tang Community and THE BLANC have jointly organized five artist salons and a series of performance art events. According to Webson Ji, the Li Tang Community director and the curator of Collective Marks and Strokes of Imagination, 'Li Tang Community is not interested in forming an elite club or hierarchical structure. It is more like an open playground—a space for dialogue, collaboration, and joyful exchange for all Asian diaspora creatives. It is a place to gather because we care—for art, for each other, and for the stories we carry.' Li Tang Community 5th Anniversary Exhibition Location: THE BLANC, 15 E 40 St, New York Time: May 10 – May 30, 2025 Curator: Webson Ji Artists: Abhishek Tuiwala, Ami Park, Anh Đào Hà, Ari Fu Hong, Catherine Chun Hua Dong, Cheng Gong, Chengtao Yi, Danyang Anna Song, Ellie Kayu Ng, Han Qin, Hannah Bang, Jiannan Wu, Jingyi Wang, Kimin Kim, Larry Li, Nix Liu Xin, Paul Mok, Sao Tanaka, Se Young Yim, Sin-ying Ho, Sizhu Li, Sophie Ruoyu Zhang, Suki Violet Su, Timon I, Xianglong Li, Xin Song, Xinan Helen Ran, Yang Mai, Yue Zhou, Zhen Guo, zzyw Community Friends: Accent Sisters, A Space Gallery, Fou Gallery, RainRain Gallery, Site, Tutu Gallery, VillageOneArt, 7s Art THE BLANC x Li Tang Community Independent Curatorial Projects from the unsettled edge Curator: Chiarina Chen Artist: Cheeny Celebrado-Royer Open Kitchen – Fusion Curator: Phil Zheng Cai Artists: Anh Nguyen, Felisa Nguyen, and Huyen Tran Tracing… … … Curator: Seoyoung Kim Artists: Eun Lee, Janette Oh, and Basharat Ali Syed THE BLANC x Li Tang Panel Discussions Panel #1 – 'Unpacking Visibility' Moderator: Chiarina Chen Speakers: Ami Park, Han Qin, Sizhu Li, Zhen Guo Panel #2 – 'Between Seeing and Sensing' Moderator: Webson Ji Speakers: April Z, Lynn Hai, Seoyoung Kim, Vic Fu Panel #3 – 'Transcultural Echoes' Moderator: Vivienne Speakers: Suki Violet Su, Abhishek Tuiwala, Ellie Kayu Ng Panel #4 Moderator: Webson Ji Speakers: Phil Zheng Cai, Seoyoung Kim Panel #5 Moderators: Phil Zheng Cai, Seoyoung Kim Speakers: Huyen Tran, Felisa Nguyen, Basharat Ali Syed THE BLANC x Li Tang Community Events 1. Accent Sisters Performances Poem Reading – 'Reverberation as Recognition' Readers: Alice Liang, Cynthia Chen, Eva Chang, Ginny Li, Tenny Liu, Madeline Zuzevich, Yağmur Akyürek, Winifred Dongyi Wang Moderator: Cynthia Chen 2. A Space Gallery Artist Critique Artists: Ruoyu Gong, Steffie Chau, Daria Fontaine Pasquali, Chanya Vitayakul, Iris Guan Moderator: Rena Kexin Zhang 3. Guqin Performance Yinze (Frank) Wang 4. Artist Performance Hannah Bang 5. 7s Art Tea Ceremonies Kevin Ge, Jing Zhao, Chenguang Hu Event Planning & Director: Webson Ji Event Manager: Adrian Cameron Event Coordinator: Sophie Ruoyu Zhang Visual Designer: Adela Sun Poster: Li Tang Community Photography: THE BLANC Co-producer: THE BLANC Written by Huixian Dong *Huixian Dong, Ph.D., is a curator and art historian specializing in contemporary Asian art. Media Contact Company Name: Li Tang Community Inc Contact Person: Webson Ji Email: Send Email Phone: 4047476323 Address: 228 Park Ave S #164818 City: New York State: NY Country: United States Website:
Forbes
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art Hosts Inaugural Eid Reception
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Anita Chatterjee speaks during Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of ... More Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, along with a distinguished host committee, hosted an exclusive Eid reception and gallery tours. The event brought together celebrities, prominent voices from media, entertainment, culture, and the arts. The evening honored the spirit of Eid through a dynamic celebration of community, heritage, and storytelling at one of the nation's most esteemed cultural institutions. The event featured remarks from leaders in journalism, business, and the arts, and provided guests with a private viewing of select exhibitions that highlight the museum's commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Held at the museum's historic location in Washington, D.C., this meaningful evening served not only as a celebration of Eid but also as a platform to honor the ongoing contributions of the Asian diasporas to the fabric of American culture and public life. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Amna Nawaz attends Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on ... More May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) 'Events like this are vital because they bridge culture, community, and visibility at the highest levels,' said Anita Chatterjee, Founder & CEO of A-Game Public Relations and event co-host. 'Celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian is not just a milestone — it's a statement about the value of inclusion and the importance of honoring a range of thoughtful voices in our national conversation. I'm proud to orchestrate an event that uplifts heritage while building connections across industries and communities.' A-Game has been instrumental in producing many South Asian American events, such as the South Asian Oscar party and the New York All That Glitters Diwali Ball. "This evening is not just about celebrating Eid, it was also about creating a space for connection, community, and joy," said Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor & Co-Managing Editor of PBS NewsHour and event co-host. 'Gathering at the Smithsonian, surrounded by works of art that document our history and cultures in beautiful ways, is a celebration of the many tales woven into our larger American story. Tonight, it's about the joy in that storytelling." The museum holds more than 46,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present from China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as well as an important collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American works from the Aesthetic Movement. New acquisitions are constantly added, and the museum now showcases the richness of premodern Asian arts and the evolving visual cultures of Asia in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Utilizing the museum's world-class library and archives, visitors can explore nearly every region and historic period of Asia and the Islamic world, and scholars will find value in exemplary objects as springboards for research. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: (L-R) Sam Hyun, Mohaimina Haque, Swati Sharma, Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, ... More Amna Nawaz, Anita Chatterjee, Amna Khilji and Alisha Chen attend Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) 'This evening was a testament to the power of cultural celebration and collective connection,' said. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. 'We were honored to welcome such an inspiring and passionate group of voices to mark this special occasion.' Ali added 'Growing up, I never imagined celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian — let alone with a room full of change makers across media, culture, and entertainment,' said Asif Ali, lead actor in Hulu's new hit series Deli Boys and event co-host. 'This event wasn't just about tradition — it was about joy, representation, and showing the next generation that our stories belong in institutions like this. And let's be honest, any time you mix beautiful art, great people, and biryani, you're doing something right.' The event was hosted in collaboration with an esteemed host committee including: Chase F. Robinson, Director, Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art; Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor and Co-Managing Editor, PBS NewsHour; Asif Ali, Actor and Comedian (Deli Boys); Aasif Mandvi, Actor; Maneet Ahuja, Global Editor-at-Large, Forbes; Swati Sharma, Editor-in-Chief, Vox; Mohaimina Haque, Attorney and CEO, Tony Roma's; and Anita Chatterjee, Founder and CEO, A-Game Public Relations. Additional notable attendees included Saagar Shaikh, Actor (Deli Boys); Nirupama Rao, Former Indian diplomat, Foreign Secretary ND; Ambassador; Rajiv Satyal, Comedian; Yasmin Elhady, TV Personality (Muslim Matchmaker); Swayam Bhatia, Actor (Succession, Zombies 4); Farhan Latif, President of El-Hibri Foundation; Negin Sobhani, Associate Director for Global Affairs (NMAA); Alisha Chen, Partnerships Operations Manager (TAAF); Amna Khilji, Senior Advisor (Pak Futures Foundation); Ehteshamul Haque, Attorney; Sam Hyun, Director of Government Relations (TAAF); and Shaneli Jain, Founder (Shaneli). Guests enjoyed delicious South Asian cuisine as they experienced the museum's exhibits. Gift bags were shared at the end of the night with swag from the museum, a gift from the popular South Asian retail brand One Minute Saree, and fennel sees used as South Asian mints from the Pakistani CPG company sponsors for the evening included The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA); The Asian American Foundation (TAAF); Pak Futures Foundation; A-Game Public Relations; Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC; Law Office of Ehteshamul Haque; Product of Culture; Paro; One Minute Saree; and Shaneli. The museum frequently hosts events for the community throughout the year that raises awareness to events celebrated by the South Asian diaspora including a Diwali event. As a big population of South Asians celebrate Eid, this was the first Eid celebration of many in the years to come.
Globe and Mail
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Ink, Spirit, and Cultural Resonance: Xu Zhongou's Solo Exhibition 'Beauty of Harmony & Unity' Opens at MEMOR Museum
NEW YORK, NY - Memor Museum, New York's only museum dedicated to Asian cultural expression on the Upper East Side, presents Beauty of Harmony & Unity, a solo exhibition by Chinese artist and educator Xu Zhongou, opening June 3 with a preview artist conversation on May 23. The exhibition showcases Xu's acclaimed 'color-ink' series, a profound reinterpretation of Chinese calligraphy as a contemporary visual and philosophical language. Poster of Beauty of Harmony & Unity. Image Courtesy of Memor Museum. This exhibition continues Memor's commitment to cross-cultural dialogue through artistic depth. 'In a world increasingly fragmented, we hope to offer an answer from the East: not confrontation, not rupture, but harmony, coexistence, and symbiosis,' said Willa Ao, director and curator of Memor Museum. 'Xu Zhongou is not only a deeply thoughtful artist, but he is also an educator whose work aligns with our mission of cultural and spiritual reflection.' Best known for his long-running series In the Name of Walnut, Xu's practice transforms traditional materials into vehicles for spiritual inquiry. In Beauty of Harmony & Unity, he dissolves the boundary between ink and image, freeing the brush from textual meaning and allowing color to play a central role — an act he calls 'releasing writing from the character system.' Color, drawn from temple aesthetics, is used not as ornamentation but as a symbolic language grounded in folk traditions and ritual. As the artist writes, 'Writing is no longer just about the act of writing. It becomes a way to summon the senses, activate emotion, and connect with belief.' From left to right: Executive Curator Wera Wei, Artist Xu Zhongou and Willa Ao, Director of Memor Museum. Image Courtesy of Memor Museum. The exhibition is curated by Willa Ao, with executive curation by Wei Mengying, who describes the collaboration as transformative: 'Working alongside Professor Xu has been an experience of profound nourishment. He is never the distant 'authority,' but a warm, humble educator who brings deep care to every moment — his persistence, his reverence for thought, his precision in every detail left a lasting impression on me,' said Wei. 'His works are not just visual languages, but spiritual practices. And the 'harmony' we speak of is not just a curatorial theme — it's who he is.' Xu began his explorations into color-ink abstraction in the 1990s while serving as a visiting professor at Maryland Institute College of Art. In 1995, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, now housed in the Bush Presidential Library. His works are held in permanent collections including the British Museum and the Muban Educational Trust in the U.K. 'In a time when art must respond to the deeply layered structure of the world,' Xu writes, 'we must move from a flat perspective to a dimensional one — to think and create in step with the rhythm of our time.' Artist Xu Zhongou. Image Courtesy of Memor Museum. Beauty of Harmony & Unity will run through summer 2025 at Memor Museum, accompanied by public programming including guided tours, family workshops, and artist talks. About Memor Museum: Memor Museum, the organization behind this exhibition, is a global leader in pioneering museum experiences at the intersection of culture and technology. With multiple sites worldwide, it is dedicated to cultural heritage preservation through innovative exhibition planning, immersive and interactive experiences, and a diverse range of activities that bring history to life. The museum complex frequently engages in projects related to artifact preservation and restoration, development of relevant technologies, and the creation of cultural heritage IPs. Memor Museum's commitment to protecting and utilizing cultural heritage ensures that exhibitions like Sanxingdui Encounter remain dynamic, educational, and deeply engaging. Visit them on the Upper East Side at 1130 Madison Ave. For more information on the exhibition and to explore Memor Museum's global initiatives, visit
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Asian Emerging Artist List Exhibition Wraps Up in Hong Kong, Spotlights Rising Talent Across Asia
06/02/2025, Toronto Ontario // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Hong Kong, June 1, – Younes Bensebaa, International Arts News —The Asian Emerging Artist List Exhibition concluded on Sunday after a four-day run at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, drawing international acclaim for its showcase of promising new voices in contemporary Asian art. Curated by Tingting Fang, Dean of the Asian Academy of Arts, the exhibition has become a cornerstone of Hong Kong's annual art season. Held from May 30 to June 2, the exhibition featured works from artists across Asia and beyond, including participants from Singapore, London, Shanghai, and New York. Mediums ranged from traditional painting and sculpture to digital works, immersive installations, and virtual reality experiences. The show attracted collectors, curators, and art professionals from Europe, North America, and across Asia, underscoring its growing global relevance. A Platform for Emerging Talent The Asian Academy of Arts announced the successful conclusion of the exhibition, which was curated and led by Tingting Fang — a prominent figure in contemporary Asian art and a champion of emerging artists. Held at AsiaWorld-Expo, one of Asia's premier venues for cultural events, the exhibition earned wide recognition and high attendance, further solidifying its position on the international art calendar. Timed to coincide with Hong Kong's vibrant art season, the exhibition drew significant attention from collectors, critics, and global institutions. Tingting Fang: Visionary Curator and Mentor Central to the exhibition's success is Tingting Fang's inspired curatorial leadership. For over a decade, Fang has devoted herself to identifying and nurturing emerging talent across Asia, building platforms for new voices to connect with global audiences. Her ability to elevate raw artistic talent into internationally recognized names has made her one of the region's most respected mentors and curators.. Combining a deep knowledge of traditional Asian aesthetics with a sharp eye for contemporary trends, Fang has helped bridge generations of artistic practice. Under her leadership, the Asian Academy of Arts has offered young artists valuable grants, exhibition opportunities, and access to galleries, biennales, and collectors worldwide. 'The Asian Emerging Artist List is more than an exhibition — it's a movement,' said Tingting Fang. 'These artists represent the future of Asian art, and our role is to ensure their voices are heard on the global stage. This exhibition is about giving them the visibility and confidence they need to thrive.' Asian Art on the World Stage Now in its latest edition, the Asian Emerging Artist List Exhibition has become one of the most important platforms for discovering new talent in the region. Artists are selected through a rigorous vetting process by the Academy's curatorial team, who review thousands of submissions based on originality, technical skill, and conceptual depth. Many artists featured in the exhibition have gone on to show at major global institutions. As a result, the List is increasingly regarded as a barometer for future success, attracting close attention from collectors, galleries, and art foundations worldwide. This year's exhibition stood out for its diversity of media — from traditional fine art to cutting-edge technology — reflecting the breadth of contemporary artistic innovation in Asia. Participating artists came from global cities such as Singapore, London, Shanghai, and New York, underscoring the international scope of the event. Through her curation, Fang ensured that forward-thinking, boundary-pushing work was at the forefront of the visitor experience. Championing the Next Generation Beyond its visual impact, the exhibition plays a pivotal role in promoting younger Asian artists who often face challenges entering the global art scene. By featuring their work on a high-profile platform, the exhibition creates valuable exposure and facilitates connections with key players in the art world. Strategically positioned during Hong Kong's peak art season, the event receives maximum visibility and media coverage, helping to propel participating artists toward international recognition. In doing so, the exhibition contributes to a broader conversation about the evolving identity of Asian contemporary art. Global Interest and Cultural Impact Interest in the exhibition circulated well before its official opening, with collectors, journalists, and art world insiders from Asia, Europe, and North America expressing strong anticipation. Many traveled to Hong Kong specifically to attend, driven by Tingting Fang's reputation for discovering exceptional talent. Several artists she has championed in previous exhibitions have since emerged as leading figures in the global art world. Join the Movement The Asian Emerging Artist List Exhibition is more than a display of talent — it is a cultural movement redefining the future of contemporary art in Asia. It not only showcases the region's brightest new artists but also fosters the next generation of artistic leadership. For collectors, it offers rare opportunities to acquire early works from rising stars. For curators, it introduces fresh perspectives and emerging themes. And for art lovers, it is a chance to witness the shaping of tomorrow's visual culture. The exhibition fosters global connections, sparks cross-cultural dialogue, and supports the professional growth of artists poised to define the next era of contemporary art. Through acquisitions, partnerships, and increased visibility, the global art community can help elevate these voices — amplifying Asia's dynamic creative presence on the world stage. Original Source of the original story >> Asian Emerging Artist List Exhibition Wraps Up in Hong Kong, Spotlights Rising Talent Across Asia
New York Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
The Billionaire Behind Japan's Art Islands Has One Final Jewel in His Crown
On a tree-dotted hill on Naoshima, an island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea, a museum was being completed, with construction equipment on hand and workers finishing their day. Opening Saturday, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, a concrete structure by Tadao Ando, has a few unusual touches for a building by this Pritzker Prize-winning architect. There's a pebbly wall along the walkway to the entrance. To harmonize with the townscape, it has a black plaster exterior, exhibition spaces that are largely underground, and a single story above, topped by a sloped metal roof. The iridescent sea is visible from the top floor. The museum is the latest star in the constellation of more than three dozen museums and projects called Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which spread across three islands. The New Museum is the first to focus exclusively on contemporary Asian art. And it is likely to provide more fuel for global art pilgrims — some six million of them since 2004 — who have flocked to the islands, most taking a couple of trains and a ferry to experience major artworks in unusual settings. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
