Be Your Own Hero Art Prize 2021 l The Push US, New York City, USA
4 November to 8 November 2021 (Pacific Time)
The Art prize with Asians Are Strong (@Asiansarestrong) about Asian Strength!, calls for all artists around the world to create their own understanding of “Being Your Own Hero” & Asian Strength. The top 10 finalists are chosen by a judging panel and the public will vote for the Final Winner.
And the finalists are:
Larry Li
Siyao Lu
Desmond Mah
Yin Lu
I Made Muliana a.k.a. Bayak
Nifesah Mehru Nisa
Ray Wang
Jen Yoon
Feimo Zhu
Amy Young
The panel:
Benedict Wong @wongrel
World-renowned actor known for roles in films ranging from global movies ‘Shang Chi’, to ‘Doctor Strange’, and TV series such as Netflix’s ‘Marco Polo.’
Guno Park @gunopark
Internationally-renowned artist known for his breathtaking drawings and watercolor paintings, with works featured in influential publications ranging from ‘Drawing Magazine’, to ‘Drawn to MoMA’ and ‘Brooklyn Rail.’
Dion Lim @dionlimtv
Emmy-Award recipient, leading journalist on reporting anti-Asian violence in America and recipient of ‘The Champion of Truth’ Award.
R Kikuo Johnson @r_kikuo_johnson
Distinguished illustrator known for his works on the cover of ‘The New Yorker’. Award winning cartoonist known for his graphic novels such as the most recent “No One Else”.
Jay & Sharon @jayplussharon
Content creators/influencers bringing original, fun content to global audiences daily.
Link to view finalists.
Now M Carries That Stone Too (2020-2021), synthetic polymer, pandanus, curry powder, soya sauce, bubble tea, eucalyptus extract and stickers on board (diptych) with various mechanical components, (H) 120cm x (W) 188cm x (D) 6.5cm
Statement
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian communities across the globe faced discrimination; loosely othering the eating habits and appearances. During her recess break, my nine-year-old Australian-born daughter had a peer verbally demonise her; “Your family has the Wuhan virus, and you eat your own pet!” . Unafraid, she stood her ground and called out his racist remark.
This contemporary painting depicts my daughter ‘M’ as a monster with her three undead guinea pigs, sipping bubble tea in defiance against racism. This monster is my hero. By utilising a vast array of artistic materials, including flora, moving mechanical components and a culinary palette, I draw upon ideas of home and the videogame Minecraft, in which ‘M’ battles marauding monsters. With familiar scents and animated breathing, the monster seeks a momentary connection and shared cultural experience with the audience—to counter discrimination and unprovoked violence targeted against global Asian diaspora.
4 November to 8 November 2021 (Pacific Time)
The Art prize with Asians Are Strong (@Asiansarestrong) about Asian Strength!, calls for all artists around the world to create their own understanding of “Being Your Own Hero” & Asian Strength. The top 10 finalists are chosen by a judging panel and the public will vote for the Final Winner.
And the finalists are:
Larry Li
Siyao Lu
Desmond Mah
Yin Lu
I Made Muliana a.k.a. Bayak
Nifesah Mehru Nisa
Ray Wang
Jen Yoon
Feimo Zhu
Amy Young
The panel:
Benedict Wong @wongrel
World-renowned actor known for roles in films ranging from global movies ‘Shang Chi’, to ‘Doctor Strange’, and TV series such as Netflix’s ‘Marco Polo.’
Guno Park @gunopark
Internationally-renowned artist known for his breathtaking drawings and watercolor paintings, with works featured in influential publications ranging from ‘Drawing Magazine’, to ‘Drawn to MoMA’ and ‘Brooklyn Rail.’
Dion Lim @dionlimtv
Emmy-Award recipient, leading journalist on reporting anti-Asian violence in America and recipient of ‘The Champion of Truth’ Award.
R Kikuo Johnson @r_kikuo_johnson
Distinguished illustrator known for his works on the cover of ‘The New Yorker’. Award winning cartoonist known for his graphic novels such as the most recent “No One Else”.
Jay & Sharon @jayplussharon
Content creators/influencers bringing original, fun content to global audiences daily.
Link to view finalists.
Now M Carries That Stone Too (2020-2021), synthetic polymer, pandanus, curry powder, soya sauce, bubble tea, eucalyptus extract and stickers on board (diptych) with various mechanical components, (H) 120cm x (W) 188cm x (D) 6.5cm
Statement
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian communities across the globe faced discrimination; loosely othering the eating habits and appearances. During her recess break, my nine-year-old Australian-born daughter had a peer verbally demonise her; “Your family has the Wuhan virus, and you eat your own pet!” . Unafraid, she stood her ground and called out his racist remark.
This contemporary painting depicts my daughter ‘M’ as a monster with her three undead guinea pigs, sipping bubble tea in defiance against racism. This monster is my hero. By utilising a vast array of artistic materials, including flora, moving mechanical components and a culinary palette, I draw upon ideas of home and the videogame Minecraft, in which ‘M’ battles marauding monsters. With familiar scents and animated breathing, the monster seeks a momentary connection and shared cultural experience with the audience—to counter discrimination and unprovoked violence targeted against global Asian diaspora.