From Left:
Mission Statement of Steve, 2001
Wood-framed blue Plexiglas, marquee lettering
POW!! , 2001
In the surreal world of graphic novels, this is a fictional space where onomatopoeia amplifies the impact, intensity and volume of these narratives
Not Ready, 2001
Last day on the planet? Are we ever truly ready for the end of our earthly existence?
Weather Patterns, 2001
Storms, sunshine and extreme weather are like the unpredictability of life. We can shape and plan our lives, but life is the agency of change and evolution.
Double Flame Exhibition,
Cranbrook Academy of Art
From Left:
Lawn Mowing Patterns, 2001
As a kid, one of my responsibilities was to mow the lawn. I liked it because I was the one who decided how we would present ourselves to America.
Super Freak , 2001
A supreme being?
godZILLA, 2001
In the movie Groundhog Day (1993), Bill Murray says, “I’m a god. Not the God...I don’t think.”
Michael and Jennifer, 2001
How do we begin our lives? Common to all births is baby naming. In the decade of the ‘80’s the most popular white baby boy name was Michael. Number 2 for white girl’s was Jennifer. This was 2000.
For a 2020 update, let’s look at Asian Americans in TV commercials. Asian Americans make up 3.6% of the population; but appear in 8.4% of commercials. In place of birth names, a more subtle way to identity was to point to cultural context. I grew up in an era where Asians were always cast in movies or TV shows as villains, the enemy or evil doers. The labeling of these portrayals was as the cruel combatant in World War II, the Korean War and VietNam. In TV commercials Asians were completely absent - disappeared. I was stunned to see my first Asian American man in the role of “Asian buddy” in a TV commercial. I sensed a breakthrough! Next, it was an Asian couple; probably in tech, banking services or relating to the workplace. In the 2010 Census 9 million or 2.9% self-identified as multiracial. Same sex household number .08%
Double Flame Exhibition,
Cranbrook Academy of Art