Door gods, or menshen, are conventional protectors positioned outdoors non-public properties in a well-liked Chinese language folks follow. Typically portrayed as burly and bearded guardians, the menshen are, one might say, stuffed with masculine power. Artist Singha Hon’s rendering, “Door Gods: Our Community Protectors,” presents them as queer and femme, defending group care for everybody from garment employees to native herbalists. In a single illustration, the door guard’s flowing clothes depict a group on strike, maybe battling gentrification or unfair wages.
Hon’s work is a part of From Chinatown, With Love (FCWL), an annual mutual help program hosted at Abrons Arts Middle in partnership with the W.O.W. Undertaking. FCWL celebrates the start of the Yr of the Wooden Snake, and plenty of snakes abound all through the present, together with on the big glass window dealing with the road. The mission reimagines the door gods and different traditions, with alternatives to help native companies by buying objects.
One such merchandise is “2025 Calendar,” which facilities a photograph print by artist Mischelle Moy that includes objects from the present’s 25 collaborating native companies. Like an elaborate nonetheless life, the calendar depicts a penjing (bonsai) from Peony Chinese language Bonsai on Walker Avenue, fish sauce from Bangkok Middle Grocery on Mosco Avenue, and a point-and-shoot digicam from EWA Buying and selling Co. on Mulberry Avenue. Those that spend $35 purchasing regionally can obtain the calendar.
Set up view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Posters by Weiyun Chen, Supatida Sutiratana, and Pei-Hsun Wu for collaborating companies in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
These companies additionally characteristic in a wall set up designed by Weiyun Chen, Supatida Sutiratana, and Pei-Hsun Wu. A poster offers extra details about every enterprise’s historical past. A poster for Fortunate King bakery on Grand Avenue tells us that six Toisan brothers began the bakery in 1990, whereas one for G&J Florist on Elizabeth Avenue relays the enterprise’s origins as a florist that has since grown right into a vendor of farm recent produce. Co-founder Gary drives to Pennsylvania to gather the produce and convey it again to the shop.
And no Lunar New Yr-themed present can be full with out pink envelopes, historically used to offer presents of cash. FCWL’s contributors reimagine them as presents for intention setting, with prompts like, “What do you wish for your local neighborhood and community in the new year?” and “What wish do you have for the year of the wood snake?” Guests are invited to pen their responses and dangle the envelope on the wall.
Set up view of pink envelopes in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Many snakes present up within the pink envelopes on show — together with a rendering of the traditional 1970’s videogame Snake — and plenty of needs. One begins off in Chinese language with 今年我希望 (“This year I hope”) and finishes with English: “new opportunities to care for my friends and community, and abundant energy provide that care.” “This year,” one other says, “I want to experience instead of ruminate.”
In what’s already confirmed to be a attempting yr, these envelopes learn like prayers, a reminder that group and group care will assist us get by way of the super challenges forward. Whereas the snake typically connotes worry and mistrust, it may additionally symbolize the chances of rebirth and renewal. As one pink envelope immediate reads, “What do you wish to shed and transform in the new year?”
Singha Hon’s “Door Gods: Our Community Protectors” in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Set up view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Prompts for pink envelopes in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Element of pink envelopes
Singha Hon’s “Door Gods: Our Community Protectors” with accompanying textual content in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
Exterior view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Middle
From Chinatown, With Love continues on the Abrons Arts Middle (466 Grand Avenue, Decrease East Facet, Manhattan) by way of February 5. The exhibition was organized by the Abrons Arts Middle and the W.O.W. Undertaking.
