Supporting Asian Artists

Perhaps it's because I live in a weird bubble, but I don't see much advertising for Asian artists (authors, painters, stars) specifically those who work in the US. There just aren't that many names which come to mind. Obviously, for books there is Amy Tan and maybe Iris Chang and Lisa See. For films, there's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, Bend it Like Beckham, Slumdog Millionaire, and a vast assortment of Kung-Fu movies. The problem with many of these works is that they aren't very compelling, but are acclaimed because of the lack of selection.

I believe the Asian American community should do more to promote works and encourage their kids to pursue creative works even though they are seen as less stable. If we as a community supported these artists, there would naturally be more works. The example that comes to mind is how the black community overwhelmingly supported the newest Disney movie princess because she was black. They bought out the merchandise at a lot of Disney stores and effectively sent a message to the executives of Disney that this was a move in the right direction. The asian community has this kind of buying power too. Thus, we should show some solidarity.

As part of this, I will try to promote asian artists that I find, and I will later post reviews of whatever I can get around to seeing/reading/hearing/viewing. These types of posts will be called Eastern Canvas from now on (of which Formosa Betrayed was the first), and I look forward to bringing lots of stuff to your attention.

Also, if you're talented in writing and are an Asian-American be sure to enter the 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest.