As the Trump administration ramps up the blame game against China for Covid 19 the racial tensions against Asians have spiked with attacks. Since 1978, the US marks the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage (APAH), to recognise the historical contributions and cultural influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. To counter the dehumanising dangers of racializing a virus; a political weaponizing of a global pandemic, this collaboration between Karen Tam and Gordon Cheung seeks to celebrate those who despite systemic racism rose through the world and helped to humanise Chinese Americans to white audiences. ⁣

Born Wong Liu Tsong, Chinese American actress Anna May Wong (1905-1961) is considered to be the first international Chinese American film star. She fought for equality through advocating against stereotypical and typecast Asian roles in her work. During WWII, Wong devoted most of her energy to the China War Relief effort and the Chinese American community's efforts to publicize their patriotism to both China and the United States. Despite Anna May Wong breaking barriers in Hollywood and the success of recent films such as 'The Farewell' and 'Crazy Rich Asians', there is continued gender and racial inequities in Hollywood, and underrepresentation of Asian American actors and stories.⁣

Collaboration with Karen Tam (@artkarentam)⁣