Xiaowen Zhu : Explorer of Time, Heritage and Memory

Lawyer and Model Yinsey Wang interviewed her good friend, Berlin-based Chinese filmmaker, writer, lecturer and artist Xiaowen Zhu on her journey of creation. In this article, Yinsey captured Xiaowen’s reflections on her work, both new and old, with renewed interest and hindsight. Xiaowen, like her art, is never still and always finding new, unchartered territory. Having lived in many different places in the world, including Shanghai, Frankfurt, Upstate New York, Los Angeles and London, she has a rich collection of experiences to draw from. To Xiaowen, art represents self-expression, finding her purpose in the world, challenging presumptions of what is and what should be, and most importantly, redefining what could be.

Art and Fashion, Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseJuly 20, 2021Art, Film, Book Review, Asian representatonComment

A Cultural Children’s Book Becomes New York Times Best Seller: Joanna Ho’s “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners”

In this pivotal moment for change in the North American Asian community, it is a children's picture book written by Joanna Ho, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, that has been an exceptional source for hope and positivity for readers of all ages. After reading the book meant for children, an Asian adult might share the collective revelation that the lack of self-love and quiet self-doubt linked to our physical features has been the result of racism. But these features should be recast as precious traits our ancestors gifted us, not to be ashamed of, and something to be proud of and to embrace like the little girl in the book.

Long Reads, Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMarch 22, 2021Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

A Signature Style Called ‘Chinatown Pretty’

Authors Valerie Luu & Andria Lo of Chinatown Pretty walked us through their journey chasing after pòh pohs (grandmas) and gùng gungs (grandpas) that have pretty shoes or standout hats that fill the Chinatown streets across North America. In today's unfortunate climax of anti-Asian hate crimes, the book's significance has undoubtedly shifted and increased, especially in the last several weeks – where many cases were unprovoked, and victims were vulnerable elderly Asians.

Art and Fashion, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 11, 2021Fashion, Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

Remembering Shanghai: A Dazzling Story of Art History

Isabel Sun Chao and Claire Chao, a dynamic mother-daughter team, join forces to tell their family history in Remembering Shanghai: A Memoir of Socialites, Scholars and Scoundrels, now a bestseller around the world.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 15, 2019Art, Book ReviewComment