Senseless acts of violence and hate toward the Asian and Asian American communities are unacceptable. As we’ve witnessed the rise of anti-AAPI animosity across the country, the School of Visual Art is showing its support. This week, on the SVA Galleries website, the College opened its latest online exhibition, “In Solidarity,” a selection of multidisciplinary works by SVA students, many of them from Asian and Asian American communities.

On view through Tuesday, May 11, “In Solidarity” variously shows the anguish and indignation provoked by bigotry and racist violence and celebrates Asian and AAPI heritage and culture, vividly illustrating that inclusion and diversity are not just words but also the hallmarks of a truly representative art and design community and the professed ideals of American society.

A diptych of photographs by BFA Photography and Video student Ellie Lau captures “the everyday life of the hardworking Asian American immigrants living in our very own city,” Lau says. “Not different nor outcast, we are all a part of the same community and should continue to support and love each other equally—regardless of skin color or heritage.”

“I wanted to participate because I consume Asian culture regularly and feel staying silent on the issues plaguing the Asian American community is unacceptable,” says BFA Illustration student Rye Day. BFA Design student Kristin Lee, another contributing artist, urges deeper unanimity: “Now is the time for all of us to come together, support one another, and show the world how strong we are.”

Organized in coordination with SVA Student Affairs, “In Solidarity” is curated by SVA Galleries and includes statements from each artist about their work. To visit the exhibition, click here.

Warning: Some artworks contain violence and explicit content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Features