Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, we reflect on the honor we’ve had to offer space for both Asian American artists, and Asian artists who are currently working in the US to share their perspective through the lens of photographic art. It is a vital role for us to amplify their voices and engage our community in meaningful conversations. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that celebrates the unique identities and stories of all its members. 


This month provides us with an opportunity to highlight some of the artists and their work from our exhibition archive and the current Pacific Northwest Drawers.

 

Spandita Malik

Nā́rī - Threads of Identity

Malik’s work tackles the problematic misogynist culture of India and the very real state of domestic violence by bringing women together to find agency.

 

Yuyang Zhang

stupid little life

Zhang’s exhibition shows a collection of collages and a series of photographic diptychs which oscillate between found "formal constructions" and social commentary in a media-driven world.

 

Young Kim

Browse Kim’s work from 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers.

 

Horatio Law

Browse Law’s work from 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers

 

Xinyu Liu

Browse Liu’s work from 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers

 

Ridwana Rahman

Browse Rahman’s work from 2023 Pacific Northwest Drawers

 

While we celebrate the vibrant stories and critical voices from the artworld, we recognize the continuous struggles and discrimination that Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are facing on a daily basis. We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, and are committed to building a future that recognizes and appreciates the immense value of diversity. Below is a list of educational resources to learn more about AAPI history and culture.

We are not a stereotype

Stop AAPI Hate

Asian Americans

AAPI Equity Alliance

Stand Against Hatred

NextShark

You can also support these local AAPI organizations by visiting them:

Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon

Asian Health & Service Center

The Slants Foundation

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden

Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Portland Chinatown Musuem