Portraiture is one of the only artistic genres with its own dedicated galleries – intersecting portrayal, identity, and archive. However, even after major strides in Asian representation in recent years, and the growth of works embodying the unique and resilient stories of the Asian American experience, we have yet to see them brought together in a major exhibition, on top of Asian Americans in art being underrepresented throughout history.

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During the peak of anti-Asian hate in the pandemic in 2020, we addressed the problem in ‘Dim Sum Dialogues: Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 Racism in the Creative Community’. In 2021, we collaborated with artists Gordon Cheung and Shepard Fairey on ‘Remembering Vincent Jen Chin’ as part of our #StopAsianHate initiative. And naturally, the question came to us – “why aren’t there more portraits of Asian Americans in mainstream and institutional art?”

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We’re inviting artists, curators, activists, or supporters to collaborate with us in putting together an exhibition of Asian Portraiture, whether it be a contribution of resources or thoughts, however you please. Every little bit counts. And we love saying hello!