In the wake of the global pandemic in 2020, the world witnessed not only the devastating impacts of COVID-19 but also the powerful surge of the Black Lives Matter movement and a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate sentiment.

These simultaneous crises exposed deep-rooted issues of racism and inequality, compelling communities to confront longstanding injustices and igniting a global call for change. I could almost feel the weight of it all—the tightness in my chest, the bitterness in my mouth as we all grappled with loss, fear, and frustration. The world felt heavy, and every headline seemed to echo the same painful truths. But amidst this, I also noticed something else: a raw urgency in the air, a collective sense of awareness. It was a call for action, for solidarity, and for truth.

It really hit me how important it was to connect with the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color) community around me and highlight their personal stories and thoughts on everything…

from racism…

to mental health…

to the violent deaths…

and the protests that followed.

I ended up painting portraits of Black people in my community and weaving in their voices - of anger, sadness, wisdom, and inspiration.

I listened to the quiet sobs of loved ones, felt the sting of injustice in every conversation, and saw the weariness etched into faces. As I painted, each brushstroke was an attempt to capture not just their likeness but the essence of their experiences, their struggles, and their hopes. The texture of their lives was embedded in every canvas. That project opened my eyes to a lot of new perspectives and made me confront some of my own biases.

One thing I kept coming back to is how colonization has had such a long-lasting impact on the BIPOC in so many ways culturally, socially, economically, politically.

It’s something we don’t always talk about enough, but it’s so real. I could hear the voices of my ancestors, whispering through the brushstrokes, urging me to continue this work.

With the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents, I feel even more motivated to continue my work, especially by sharing my voice and the voices of my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Moving forward, I’m excited to keep exploring this creative journey of decolonization.

For me, it’s an invitation to tap into the wisdom of our ancestors and to rethink artistic creation in a way that honors our cultural history and resilience. As I immerse myself deeper into this process, I feel the ground beneath me, solid and grounding, connecting me to something larger than myself.

Fast forward a few years later…

This collection was born...