Whose Chinatown? Examining Chinatown Gazes in Art, Archives and Collections

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Morris Lum, "Xam Yu Seafood Restaurant, Toronto," 2016

photograph, 20" x 24", Courtesy of the artist.

A Capture Photography Festival Exhibition

As we continue to navigate the current pandemic, we have witnessed both the value and adaptability of communities. While development, population changes, housing affordability, gentrification and, indeed, viruses that impact social and cultural lifestyles, challenge concepts of community, they can also demonstrate the strength, perseverance and character that define said communities. Whose Chinatown?, curated by Karen Tam, looks at various depictions of Chinatowns and Chinese communities through the lens of historical and contemporary artworks, archives and artifacts.

Whose Chinatown? brings together an art history of Chinatown neighbourhoods and their residents through paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, architectural blueprints and artifacts. Examining these historical and contemporary works will allow us to look back at the history of Chinatowns, of anti-Asian sentiments and also allow us to question how we can hold space for the community as well as how we can imagine the future of Chinatowns. Complementing the exhibition is a robust variety of public programs to be hosted digitally.

"In thinking about the stories, histories and spaces of Chinatowns and their importance to their communities as centres, what are the ways that artists, art collectives and community groups are changing public discourse, planning and perceptions around Chinatowns?", asks curator, Karen Tam as she reflects how the exhibited works share a spirit of activism and advocacy by creating dialogue around cultural community and place.