UrbanArt Commission Unveils New Exhibit Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage and Homemaking

New Exhibition Explores Homemaking and Legacy

Memphis, TN– The UrbanArt Commission yet again surprises Memphis residents with its latest art installment in collaboration with artist and curator Neena Wang. The exhibit titled “Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home,” focuses on the themes of ancestry, immigration, and homemaking, highlighting the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community’s rich and complex experiences.

A Celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage

The exhibition, organized as part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, will be on display from May 25 through June 20. Featuring 12 established and emerging AAPI artists from Memphis and the South, the art show seeks to commemorate the influences, contributions, and struggles of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

This year’s AAPI Month Memphis exhibition is expanded in both duration and its mission from the 2023 iteration, marking a significant dedication towards recognizing and celebrating AAPI heritage.

Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home

Neena Wang, the artist and curator behind the “Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home” exhibition, emphasizes the profound layers of identity, belonging, and legacy. Through an artful blend of mixed-media, painting, sculpture, and installation, the exhibition looks to shed light on the complex narratives of homeland, immigrant experiences, and the bond connecting generations within the AAPI community.

Wang invites the audience to explore this fascinating cross-section of experiences and perspectives, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the AAPI community. The exhibition invites powerful dialogue around culture, immigration, history, and home-making in a deeply personal and nuanced manner.

The Artists and their Artworks

Among the featured artists in the exhibition is LiLi Nacht, known for her tactile and immersive art pieces that cross the boundaries of traditional art forms. Nacht presents a unique take on the intersection of cultures and identities.

Another artist, Zidan Yeng, through his transformative art, encapsulates the experiences of immigrants, their struggles, and their victories. Yeng’s work is an invitation for viewers to appreciate the multicultural fabric of America and the layered experiences of its immigrant groups.

A Unique Space for Engagement

As one of the highlights of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the exhibition “Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home,” offers an engaging space for viewers to immerse themselves in the AAPI experience. Memphis residents and visitors alike are encouraged to visit the UrbanArt Commission and experience this inspiring exploration of AAPI legacy and homemaking.

The 2024 AAPI Month Memphis exhibition is not just an artistic celebration, but a call for awareness, understanding, and inclusivity. It is an opportunity to understand and appreciate the intricate tapestry of cultures and experiences that make up the fabric of American society.