Exploring the Political Influence of Chinatown Storefronts

Abrons Arts Center is currently hosting its annual Lunar New Year mutual aid initiative, “From Chinatown, With Love,” where art serves to highlight and support local businesses. This year’s theme focuses on “Storefronts as Sites of Cultural Resistance.”

Artist Singha Hon’s piece, “Eight Horses Galloping,” reimagines the traditional Chinese motif of the Year of the Horse to reflect mutual aid among New York Chinatown’s community, focusing on values like resilience and interdependence. The painting showcases images symbolizing collective strength, such as elders with a baby, a couple holding hands, and a bowl of noodles.

Another highlight of the exhibition is Michelle Moy’s installation, “Everyday Objects Introduction,” which places art alongside items from local Chinatown businesses, like premium soy sauce bottles and special scoopers from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Visitors can engage with the exhibit through features like a symbolic mirror display and reinterpreted red envelopes, exploring the intersection of cultural tradition and individual expression.

“From Chinatown, With Love” remains on display at Abrons Arts Center in Manhattan until March 22, organized in collaboration with W.O.W. Project, Midnight Project, and Lucky Risograph.