DREAMING OF GOLD

After three shows this spring, I was feeling a little burnt out. But this week, I had an amazing conversation with @make.us.visible and spent another inspiring day with @iss. These experiences reignited my passion for using art to amplify the AAPI community.

One of the key takeaways from my conversations was the importance of meeting people where they are. Over the next two weeks, many of us will be glued to our televisions, watching the Olympics—I know I will be! According to @amzaznhq, there will be 48 AAPI athletes representing the USA this summer.

To honor them, I’ve started a new series called “Dreaming of Gold.” In my past works, I’ve depicted athletes as adults who have already achieved their goals. But as I reflect on my own childhood, I remember watching the Olympics and imagining myself as Carl Lewis, racing toward victory. I’m sure many other kids saw themselves as Mary Lou Retton, Rulon Gardner, Flo Jo, and so many more.

The concept behind this series is to capture athletes in their youth, dreaming of one day winning gold. Gold, after all, is what drew the first Chinese sojourners to America, making it a symbol of both aspiration and perseverance.