The electrical engineer, the bio engineer and the math major are all stereotypes that are placed upon the Asian-American student at UCSD. But wait, what’s that? An Asian-American artist? Isn’t that unheard of? Marchall senior Student Stephanie Liu would beg to differ. Two years ago, Liu, an I-Cam major, and her roommate were sitting in her kitchen discussing the lack of recognition Asian-American artists received and felt the need to speak out on behalf of her Asian-American artist peers. The idea of “Redefining Yellow America” was born.
Tired of the lack of Asian-American art represented in the media, “Redefining Yellow America,” an art and music festival presented by the Chinese Studies Student Organization, strives to break down these stereotypes by introducing students to the creativity Asian-American artists at UCSD and the greater San Diego area have to offer.
Running from May 3 to May 7 on Library Walk, the second annual festival will feature an eclectic collection of artwork and media including short films, music and photography. The festival’s mission operates to not only break down stereotypes, but to also show that Asian-American art does not simply comprise of kung-fu flicks and anime. Most importantly, the festival is an opportunity for local Asian-American artists to present their artwork to the UCSD population.
After the success of last year’s festival, the organizers have managed to put together a festival featuring the works of L.A.-based artist Christina Wong and San Diego painters Tanya Ta and Berenice Limon.
For music buffs and audiophiles, bands such as hip-hop group Dialectx Crew, Butterfly Edge and UCSD singer/songwriter Ila will perform at this year’s festival. Listening booths featuring music and spoken art touching on subjects such as fetishisising Asians and ethnic pride, by Philadelphia duo Yellow Rage, will also be set up throughout the day.
The intentions of such an event is to help raise awareness among the community and proves to be valuable. Organizer Liu admits this is one of the hardest things she’s ever done in her life. Liu stresses that she’s not looking to “completely change people’s views, but just simply get them thinking.” The event is a celebration of the creativity that is often overlooked in the Asian-American community and overshadowed by misconstrued labels.
Forget about the “dragon lady,” the Suzie Wongs and the Bruce Lees; yes, there are Asians out there who happen to be good at math, but, as this festival will prove, there are also the Asians out there who play a large role in the San Diego art community — many of whom can be found at UCSD.
