Chinatown’s Art and Activism—Then and Now

In this conversation between artists Tomie Arai and Mei Lum, learn about the relationship between art and activism in Manhattan's Chinatown.

In this conversation between artists Tomie Arai and Mei Lum, learn about the relationship between art and activism in Manhattan's Chinatown. Here, the artists discuss key themes of resistance and resilience, anti-gentrification, and the community's cohesion during the current wave of anti-Asian racism and violence.

Featuring:
Tomie Arai, artist, and cofounder, Chinatown Art Brigade
Mei Lum, Civic Practice Partnership Artist in Residence, The Met, and cofounder, W.O.W. Project

The Civic Practice Project is made possible by The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. Captioning is made possible by the Ruth Lapham Lloyd Trust.

© 2021 The Metropolitan Museum of Art


Contributors

Mei Lum
Artist
Tomie Arai
Artist

Villagers in Omadesep climbing up ladder-like scaffolds to install tall bisj poles
Video
In 1961, 23-year-old Michael C. Rockefeller made two trips to New Guinea where he met with Asmat elders and artists.
May 28
Map of Oceania
Video
This dynamic animated map visually traces the early migration of the ancestors of Papuan-speaking peoples and the later migrations of Austronesian-speaking voyagers.
May 28
Dark museum display of military-inspired fashion. Mannequins wear red and black attire, surrounded by framed artworks and historical elements. Elegant and solemn.
Video
Monica L. Miller and Andrew Bolton
May 22
More in:InspirationIdentityAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage