Ministry of Things- part 3, 2012-2014  

 

Thirteen contemporary Asian Canadian logos. Digital print, each is 66” H x 44” W.

I would like to express my gratitude for the images ‘contributions of Anna Pai, Kwon Wing Cheung, Yat Sing Wong, Jill Ho You, Hye-Seung Jung, Christine Cheung, Alden Alfon, Ho Tam, and Kim Huynh to this project.

 

During the 80s and 90s, China was primarily seen as a hub for low-cost labor. However, by 2013, China had ascended to the status of a middle-income country. By 2020, it had become the world's largest trading partner, particularly emphasizing its strength in technology. This remarkable economic progression has had significant implications both within China and globally, reshaping perceptions of the Chinese people worldwide and impacting the experiences of Asian Canadians within Canada. As a member of the minority community in Canada, I often find myself grappling with a complex identity crisis that is challenging to navigate.

 

The interplay between globalization, identity, and Canadian multiculturalism is pivotal for many ethnic groups in Canada. This context sets the stage for an exploration of thirteen logos and signs, which critically examine the roles of the Chinese as both consumers and producers. Furthermore, these reimagined logos and signs provoke ongoing discussions about Canadian multiculturalism in an era of increasing recognition of Indigenous cultures. This exploration emphasizes the complexities of navigating identity, cultural representation, and economic participation in a rapidly globalizing world.