HOME - 家
[We All Deserve a Place to Rest] is a mixed-media installation project that combines prints and paintings with site-specific installations to reflect the meaning of home and advocate for housing justice.
Home Altar [Ode to Monica]
Mixed media assemblage, 56” x 67” x 21.5”, 2024
Reflecting my Japanese and Filipino ancestry, alongside Buddhist and Catholic traditions, this piece explores the rich tapestry of diversity found in the Bay Area. At its heart lies a tribute to Monica Hastings Smith, a luminary figure celebrated for her contributions to drumline composition, musical performance, teaching, and community leadership.
Ode to Monica
Mixed media assemblage, 15” x 24” x 4”
In this assemblage piece, I work to capture the essence of the late Monica Hastings Smith's transformative influence — a driving force for positive change, a rallying cry for justice, and a guardian of the communal spirit. The diverse materials and elements within the artwork mirror the rich layers of Monica's impact, celebrating her legacy as a catalyst for unity, resilience, and social transformation.
Home
Mixed media monoprint, 18” x 24”, 2024
The burnt-out Victorian flat, an emblem of San Francisco's Western Addition in the late 1960s, portrays the devastating aftermath of an accidental fire. This work speaks of the fragility of the family home and the unexpected turns life can take. Through the expressive use of color and the intricate screen-printing technique, I invite viewers to reflect on the profound impact that a single incident can have on the concept of 'home' and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Court Ordered [Weekends in the Excelsior]
Mixed media monoprint, 18” x 24”, 2024
Set against the soft pink hues of twilight skies, three yellow stars symbolize childhood dreams and aspirations. At the center of the artwork, depicts the bond between two siblings as they pose in the Excelsior District of San Francisco. Amidst the innocence, a somber presence emerges – a court order, its official seal from the superior court of San Francisco casting a shadow. This contrast serves as a reminder of the complexities within familial relationships.
Whispers of Departure
Mixed media monoprint, 18” x 24”, 2024
"Whispers of Departure" is a mixed media monoprint that serves as a visual commentary on the tumultuous journey of Akihiko Ogata. Stark black screen-printing contrasts with splashes of neon acrylic paint, symbolizing his struggle between tradition and modernity. Urban landscapes merge with rural scenes, representing Akihiko's passage through time and space. Emerging from a tunnel, he symbolizes a transition into a past where he was in his prime. Through this piece, I explore themes of home, family expectations, personal aspirations, and the presence of memory.
Permanent Resident
Mixed media monoprint, 24” x 18”, 2024
Reimagining an old Japanese passport, replacing the traditional photograph with a powerful depiction of a young woman carrying a symbolic samurai sword. Set against a backdrop of teal blue and sepia, the composition symbolizes the resilience and hope of Japanese immigrants during the late 1950s. Teal represents the journey toward a new beginning, while sepia adds historical depth, evoking nostalgia and connecting the artwork to the challenges faced by individuals in that era.
The Chronicles of Home
Left Panel: Resilience: A Child’s Innocence in Ashes, Acrylic on birch panel, 12” x 48” x 1.75”, 2024
Inspired from a picture I snapped of a burned-out Victorian Flat that I happened upon on my way to work. This flat sparked a memory of when my brother was 5 years old and in charge of us, the two younger siblings. With a candle, he accidentally set our flat on fire while retrieving a toy from under his bed. The image of him is from an old family album. This scene reflects the innocence of childhood amidst the turbulent emotions surrounding the incident. The surreal pink and black color palette add to the somberness of that day, symbolizing the impact that a single incident can have and the fragility of what constitutes home.
Right Panel: Empowering Heights: A Tribute to a Beloved Housing Activist, 12” x 48” x 1.75”, 2024
Cir 1978, North Ping Yuen, San Francisco’s Chinatown Housing Project, Mrs. Lee, a tenants' rights activist, organized and fought for much-needed sanitation, elevator and safety improvements, especially after the tragic murder of a neighbor and schoolmate. In this panel, I reimagined Mrs. Lee, bullhorn in hand, standing resolute behind the gate she advocated for—a symbol of transformation and empowerment for the poor and working class. The diptych also features three freeform, dripping circles. These circles serve as metaphors for the dynamic energy enveloping past, present, and future events. The drips suggest the fluidity of time and events beyond our control.
Peace Garden [Ping Yuen]
Peace Garden [Ping Yuen], 30" x 40", acrylic on cradled birch panel, 2023
Layers of graffiti, paint, and urban grime— this artwork is a snapshot into the life of a young girl’s daydreams, bathed in soft light and adorned with neon, offering a sanctuary of peace and a testament to the transformative power of imagination.
North Beach Public Housing #351
North Beach Public Housing #351, 6" x 6", acrylic on cradled birch panel, 2023.
The colors and textures in this painting represent a process of growth and self-discovery. It symbolizes the vibrant spirit that thrives.