May 9th - June 30th, 2025
Levi’s Plaza
Opening Reception: Friday, May 9th, 6–9 pm
Karl Unseen Histories: AAPI Voices in Contemporary Art
Karl is proud to announce its forthcoming exhibition in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, opening May 9th at Levi’s Plaza. This special presentation will celebrate the expansive and evolving contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, highlighting their voices, histories, and artistic practices.
Building on the momentum of Karl’s previous pop-up exhibition, this show reaffirms the collective’s dedication to fostering dialogues and strengthening community through art. By bringing together a diverse roster of artists working across painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media, the exhibition will explore themes of cultural heritage, migration, identity, and resistance. The participating artists engage in deeply personal and socially resonant narratives, offering perspectives that challenge, redefine, and expand the understanding of AAPI experiences.
The Bay Area has long been shaped by the creativity, resilience, and activism of the AAPI community. From historical movements that have redefined civil rights to contemporary artistic expressions that push the boundaries of tradition and innovation, AAPI artists continue to shape the cultural fabric of the region and beyond. This exhibition serves not only as a celebration of these contributions but also as a critical reflection on the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have defined generations.
Karl invites audiences to engage with this powerful body of work, encouraging conversations that honor the past, confront the present, and envision a more inclusive and representative future. As the collective expands its mission to support emerging and established artists alike, the exhibition underscores the vital role of art in amplifying voices that have been historically overlooked or marginalized.
Through this presentation, Karl seeks to create a space where art becomes a conduit for connection, understanding, and action—a place where the richness of AAPI identities are not only seen and celebrated but deeply felt.
Participating Organizations
Featured CE Artists
Public Programs
Panel with Abby Chin: AAPI Voices in Contemporary Art
Saturday, May 31 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
San Francisco is the birthplace of the first Chinatown in the United States and stands as a beacon for the celebration and preservation of AAPI artistic expressions. Contemporary AAPI art serves as a powerful medium for exploring themes of migration, identity, and resilience, reflecting the diverse experiences of the community.
Abby Chen, Head of Contemporary Art at the Asian Art Museum, has been instrumental in this community. Since her appointment, she has spearheaded initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and challenge traditional narratives. Her curatorial approach emphasizes the intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, migration, and technology, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic art scene.
The expansion of the Asian American identity has been transformative. Artists such as Masako Miki, Yowshien Kuo, Namita Paul, and Grace Jin exemplify this evolution through their work. Kuo’s surreal landscapes delve into themes of cultural hybridity and ancestral memory, while Paul’s installations address the emotional and spatial dimensions of grief and healing. Jin’s art intertwines traditional healing practices with contemporary art-making, reflecting a deep connection to her heritage and the complexities of mental health within the AAPI community. Miki’s work, often inspired by Shinto animism, explores shape-shifting mythologies and the fluid nature of identity, offering a playful yet profound meditation on transformation and cultural multiplicity. These artists, alongside gallerist Julia Li, contribute to a broader dialogue that redefines and enriches the Asian American identity, moving beyond monolithic representations to embrace a spectrum of experiences and expressions.
Hosted by Kristie Song, this panel discussion will delve into the significance of contemporary AAPI art in San Francisco, exploring how it serves as a conduit for cultural expression, social commentary, and community building. The conversation will highlight the importance of supporting AAPI artists and institutions that champion diverse narratives, ensuring that the rich tapestry of AAPI experiences continues to be recognized and celebrated in the city's cultural fabric.