In the heart of New York City, a groundbreaking exhibition is challenging preconceived notions about Asian American art. Legacies: Asian American Art Movements in New York City, currently on display at New York University’s 80WSE Gallery, presents a kaleidoscopic view of the immense diversity within the Asian American artistic community. With over 100 works from 90 different creators, the exhibition invites visitors to expand their understanding of what Asian American art encompasses.
Deconstructing the Term “Asian American”
While the term “Asian American” has been widely embraced since its inception in 1968, it has also faced criticism for obscuring the realities of less economically powerful and geographically centered Asian nations. Legacies aims to interrogate and deconstruct this term, showcasing the vast array of aesthetics, movements, media, and artistic philosophies that exist within the Asian American art community.
We wanted to see if we could put together the big brushstrokes for three decades of Asian American diasporic activities in this city.
– Howie Chen, Co-curator of Legacies
Exploring the Archives
To uncover the many narratives of Asian American art on the East Coast, the curators delved into the archives of three key organizations: Godzilla: Asian American Art Network, the Basement Workshop, and the Asian American Arts Centre. These hubs collectively span from 1968 through the turn of the century, providing a rich tapestry of subcultures and aesthetics to explore.
The resulting exhibition feels almost dizzying in its capaciousness, offering a vertiginous sense of being immersed in a multitude of eras, aesthetics, and media. This overwhelming sensation is intentional, as the curators seek to undermine dominant beliefs about Asian American art in favor of deconstructing preconceived notions and inviting a certain amount of anarchy.
Letting the Art Lead
One notable choice made by the curators is the absence of standard wall texts, allowing visitors to experience the art as an aesthetic encounter first and foremost. While this may impose more of a barrier to the casual visitor, it aligns with the exhibition’s goal of letting the art lead and encouraging viewers to draw their own connections and conclusions.
I wanted the experience of the show to be an aesthetic experience first. So you get a sense of the stakes at hand from the art itself, and then you start stitching it together from your subjectivity.
– Howie Chen, Co-curator of Legacies
Standout Artists and Works
Among the many artists featured in Legacies, David Diao stands out for his decades-long work deconstructing the major tenants of modernist art. His massive abstract piece Odd Man Out greets visitors at the entrance, setting the tone for the exhibition’s themes of questioning the Western canon and inscribing oneself into it.
Another significant work is Hanh Thi Pham’s Self Portrait/Hairy/Pipe from 1985. As a refugee of the Vietnam War, Pham is known for taking on Eurocentric tropes to complicate and destabilize them. Her striking black-and-white photograph invokes questions around the Asian woman’s experience in America and the conditions that led to her forced migration.
A Prismatic Experience
The response to Legacies has been strong, resonating with curators and academics grappling with questions of representation. At the same time, the curators hope that the exhibition is accessible to anyone, inviting visitors to find their own way through the dense and layered display.
The show is dense, but it’s really designed for people to encounter in different ways. In the end, it’s about the aesthetic encounter.
– Howie Chen, Co-curator of Legacies
As visitors navigate the prismatic world of Legacies, they are invited to question their assumptions, explore hidden histories, and embrace the immense diversity that exists within the Asian American art community. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that labels and categories often fall short in capturing the richness and complexity of lived experiences and artistic expressions.
Legacies: Asian American Art Movements in New York City (1969-2001) is on view at 80WSE Gallery in New York City until December 20, 2024. This groundbreaking exhibition promises to expand horizons, challenge preconceptions, and celebrate the multifaceted brilliance of Asian American artists.
