Our inaugural art exhibition at Manhattan Mandarin by Sammy Yuen
Chinatowns Behind the Gates. Explores the rich history of Chinatowns across
America and their connection to Asia. Chinatowns are made up of a diverse and
unique community of immigrants and they are filled with many different customs,
culture, and stories. These stories provide a portal to the past and inspire the
future.
Chinatowns Behind the Gates is Sammy Yuen’s second solo exhibition. He is in
the process of writing a children’s book based on this show. In April of this year
Sammy will begin a traveling exhibition at the Chinese American Museum of
Chicago title Shared Lines. Shared Lines goal is to amplify underrepresented
A.A.P.I. stories on Route 66. In May, Sammy’s work will be featured in Googles
Arts and Culture A.A.P.I. heritage month celebration. He is also involved in two of
Govern Hochul Downtown Renovation Initiatives (DRI) in Manhattan Chinatown.
One is to paint murals with carbon neutralizing paint and the second is to light up
the night sky by designing neon signage.
Sammy is a New Yorker who has combined his personal life and professional life
to serve the community. As a life-long martial artist Sammy has modified his
training and developed free self-defense classes for the community. These
classes are a direct response to the rise of anti-Asian hate and are a short-term
solution for safety. As a visual artist Sammy moved away from his work as an
award-winning book cover designer/illustrator to create drawings of the
community. Sammy hopes these drawing amplify underrepresented stories and
provide a long-term solution to anti-Asian hate by creating conversation and
empathy. His goal is to educate, empower and inspire others through his work.
Visit Sammy at #sammynycart