Exhibition sheds light on NY's Chinese immigrants

World
Europe

Two photographers in New York turned their lens on the Chinese American experience with the lives of Chinese restaurant workers taking center stage of their exhibition.

“Thank You, Enjoy,” referring to the words printed on Chinese takeout boxes, features photographers Katie Salisbury, who is half Chinese, and Louis Chan.

CGTN’s Karina Huber talked to Salisbury, who is also the curator, about the show.

"Representation requires agency," said Salisbury, whose personal focus is on migrant workers. "If we want to be represented by the media, to have our stories heard and acknowledged, we need to be the ones to tell them."

Thank You, Enjoy – which refers to the words printed on those iconic takeout boxes – features work by Asian American artists who have chosen to focus on subjects that reflect the concerns and experiences of their communities.

Their work explores issues as wide-ranging as racial discrimination, preserving cultural heritage, intergenerational relationships, assimilation and economic exploitation. It provides a powerful antidote to the problem of representation by shining a light on stories overlooked by mainstream media.

#ThankYouEnjoy runs through February 11 at Think!Chinatown Community Art Space 384 Broadway, NYC.