“Call and Response: Illustration in Uncertain Times” exhibition at Pao Arts Center

Opening reception (photo by Mel Taing)
Opening reception (photo by Mel Taing)

Thank you to the Pao Arts Center and curator Leslie Anne Condon for inviting me to participate in this spring exhibition along with some amazingly talented artists. The show runs until June 30, 2023.

Opening reception with participating artists. (photo by Mel Taing)

Here are some press of the event:

Over the centuries, artists have created images and illustrations in response to the world around them, to tell stories or to amplify messages of protest and solidarity, especially during times of widespread crisis and upheaval. This has been especially true for AAPI artists today, as our community continues to navigate multi-pandemics, including COVID-19 and its reverberations, and the rise of anti-Asian discrimination and violence. Like other illustrators over the years, local Boston AAPI artists have responded to these tragedies with images and words of resistance and of comfort.

Call and Response: Illustration in Uncertain Times features illustrations and graphic designs by seven local AAPI artists who have used their craft to speak to this complicated moment. As with other kinds of labor, these artistic gestures offer critical support to the community by giving voice to different experiences and encouraging care.

Curated by: Leslie Anne Condon

Participating Artists: Deborah Johnson, payal kumar, Lillian Lee, Shaina Lu, Yuko Okabe, Sanika Phawde, Wen-ti Tsen

Where have I Been?

Well, for the past couple of weeks after the opening reception of Call and Response: Illustration in Uncertain Times at the Pao Arts Center, I have been sick.

I caught the kiddo’s pre-K cough virus which knocked me out for 3 full days. I finally feel alive again even though I have hacking fits here and there.

I’m now super glad I was able to make it to the reception.

Looking forward to improved health and creating more artwork + comics!