REORIENT: JOURNEYS THROUGH ART AND HEALING
NOW OPEN
On view from June 10th, 2022 through May 14, 2023 in the George Tsutakawa Art Gallery
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Victor Kai Wang, Red Cliff, 1989
VICTOR KAI WANG
SUCHITRA MATTAI
JEAN ISAMU NAGAI
TUAN NGUYEN
CURATED BY LELE BARNETT
Art and history come together to tell a multidimensional story about humanity. Art is a catalyst for healing cultural pain, both personal and collective. In this exhibition, four artists address stories of immigration where art is a sanctuary, resulting in regeneration and innovation. They speak through their works about histories and heritage, using non-traditional media and configuring materials in new ways. Through their practices, they unearth a life purpose and an empowered self.
When artist Victor Kai Wang arrived in the United States in 1980 from China, he felt alone and adrift, struggling to comprehend his new surroundings. Suchitra Mattai's ancestors navigated a bewildering and dangerous journey across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Balancing between two cultures unsettled Tuan Nguyen and Jean Nagai. In childhood, they felt a need to adapt to survive. Each of these artists turned to creative innovation to change their focus and direction.
We have all felt a sense of disorientation since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We have had to adjust and find our way to a new reality. What does it take to reorient yourself to joy? Creating art, of any kind, is an active meditation. Creative innovation leads to joy, and joy brings healing.
IN THE NEWS
"Reorient": Processing Immigration Through Art, Harlan Liu, TeenTix, February 23, 2023
At 88, an undiscovered painter makes his museum debut at Wing Luke, Margo Vansynghel, Crosscut, June 10, 2022
EXHIBIT CLOSING EVENT
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023
11 AM - 12:30 PM
WING LUKE MUSEUM
This closing event will raise awareness on the importance of our emotional and mental health and how art and expression can be used as tools for nurturing our sense of identity and overall well-being.
Our panel of presenters share insights validating wellness from the fields of education, social work and the arts.
Registration for this event includes admittance to Museum exhibits and a Meet and Greet with Reorient Exhibit Curator Lele Barnett and Wing Luke Museum Exhibit Developer Blake Nakatsu in the Reorient exhibit from 12:30-1:30pm.
Lourdez Velasco is a queer CHamoru artist and cultural worker with the neighborhood queer and trans Pasifika & Asian artist collective “Flower Flower” who explores how art, movement and creativity can mitigate the impacts of colonization.
Linda Ando and Dr. Natacha Foo Kune are co-teaching a course at the UW entitled “Community, Identity and Wellness: Asian American and Diasporic Perspectives.”
Wynne Pei is a multidisciplinary artist with Path with Art who believes art and culture, together with play and share time, is a powerful way to create a sense of belonging, collectivism, and community.
Ammara Touch is a neurodivergent queer Khmer plant witch-poet-organizer-artist dedicated to collective healing and liberation.
Matthew Echohawk-Hayashi, with Headwater People, will moderate the event.
THE NEVERENDING COMIC ART WORKSHOP WITH TUAN NGUYEN
1:30 PM - 2:30PM
For Teens and up, open to all abilities. This event is free, but RSVP is required as space is limited
Join artist Tuan Nguyen, in expressing your stories of healing and joy, with the option of contributing to The Neverending Comic! RSVP is required as registration is limited
