Door gods, or menshen, are conventional protectors positioned outdoors non-public properties in a preferred Chinese language folks observe. Typically portrayed as burly and bearded guardians, the menshen are, one may 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 staff 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 support program hosted at Abrons Arts Heart in partnership with the W.O.W. Venture. FCWL celebrates the start of the 12 months of the Wooden Snake, and lots of snakes abound all through the present, together with on the massive 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 comes with objects from the present’s 25 taking part 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 Heart Grocery on Mosco Avenue, and a point-and-shoot digital camera from EWA Buying and selling Co. on Mulberry Avenue. Those that spend $35 procuring regionally can obtain the calendar.
Set up view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
Posters by Weiyun Chen, Supatida Sutiratana, and Pei-Hsun Wu for taking part companies in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
These companies additionally function in a wall set up designed by Weiyun Chen, Supatida Sutiratana, and Pei-Hsun Wu. A poster gives 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 contemporary produce. Co-founder Gary drives to Pennsylvania to gather the produce and convey it again to the shop.
And no Lunar New 12 months-themed present can be full with out crimson envelopes, historically used to provide presents of cash. FCWL’s individuals 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 hold the envelope on the wall.
Set up view of crimson envelopes in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
Many snakes present up within the crimson envelopes on show — together with a rendering of the basic 1970’s videogame Snake — and lots 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 making an attempt yr, these envelopes learn like prayers, a reminder that group and group care will assist us get by the great challenges forward. Whereas the snake usually connotes concern and mistrust, it could additionally symbolize the chances of rebirth and renewal. As one crimson 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 Heart
Set up view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
Prompts for crimson envelopes in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
Element of crimson envelopes
Singha Hon’s “Door Gods: Our Community Protectors” with accompanying textual content in From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
Exterior view of From Chinatown, With Love on the Abrons Arts Heart
From Chinatown, With Love continues on the Abrons Arts Heart (466 Grand Avenue, Decrease East Aspect, Manhattan) by February 5. The exhibition was organized by the Abrons Arts Heart and the W.O.W. Venture.