Come out every weekend of May to watch an outdoor screening showing… food! Yum.
2022. Silent 5:53 minutes. Grunt Gallery Mount Pleasant Community Art Screen
By Leung Yiksea (Director) & Karin Lee (Producer)
Location: Intersection of Broadway & Kingsway, Vancouver, an outdoor screen on the east side of the Independent Building.
Ho Tak Kee is an assembly of fragmented memories and imagined conversations of a local wonton house that was lost to fire one Christmas day. This work is presented as one part fairy tale, one part cooking show and one part Cantonese school.
The title is borrowed from the once-bustling neighbourhood staple, Ho Tak Kee Wonton House. Many elements of this project were inspired by conversations with the Ho Tak Kee family and the artists in the area who frequented this eatery. This settler story is emblematic of many newcomer/family-run eateries.
The grunt gallery’s Mount Pleasant Community Art Screen, Broadway & Kingsway, is located on the site of the former Ho Tak Kee Wonton House.
(Artist Bio) Leung Yiksea ???
Leung Yiksea ??? (pronounced leurn-yick-see) is a Canadian media artist whose work is informed by the people and settlers of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh lands (where Vancouver is located). Her family’s ancestral villages are located in ?? (punyu) and ?? (sunwui) of southern China. The focus of her work centres on place-based stories and identity. Before becoming a parent to two incredible kids, she collaborated on intergenerational, multilingual, site-specific projects in Chinatown and Strathcona neighbourhoods. She co-directed Cedar and Bamboo (with filmmaker Kamala Todd), which has been shown nationally, internationally, and most recently as part of VIVO Media Arts’ thirstDays series and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s Imagining Fusang exhibition.
Karin Lee ??? is a Canadian media artist and filmmaker. Her critical voice and perspective touches on the past and the present, both local and international. An artist who constantly traverses new territory, Lee challenges film and media forms and addresses new audiences. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Karin’s films are influenced by her family who immigrated to Canada in the 1870’s, settling in Barkerville BC. Lee’s parents were activists who worked in the downtown eastside, with her father running a Chinese communist bookstore at 33 East Hastings from the mid-1960s to ’80s. Her interest in Chinese Canadian identity, feminism and social justice activism informs her narrative films, experimental video, documentaries and original TV series she has written, directed and produced since 1991.
Amanda Sum (she/her) is a performer and creator who dances between theatre and music. As a musician, Amanda’s writing floats on top of the indie-pop genre, sometimes dipping into jazz or visiting alternative folk. Her debut single and music video, “Groupthink”, was released in September 2020. Amanda’s debut full-length record, New Age Attitudes, will be released in the fall of 2022. She aims to champion other under-represented artists in her music work. All her sound recordings were made with an all-female production and engineering team, and feature an all-Asian female band. Music recording collaborators include Emily Millard, Olivia Quan, Jamie Lee, Mary Ancheta, Cindy Kao, Shin-Jung Nam, Ginger Chen, and Elisa Pangsaeng
On May 20th, Amanda premieres her new single “Different Than Before” alongside an ambitious and cinematic music video. To celebrate the occasion, Amanda and her key collaborators will debut the video with a virtual panel conversation about the making of the video on Amanda’s Youtube channel at 11AM PST
Hi!!! I’m a theatre artist and musician! I dabble a little in dance sometimes too! I’m based in Vancouver, BC.
How and when did your relationship with music begin?
I was put into piano lessons as a kid and stuck with those lessons until I was midway through highschool. I played clarinet in elementary school, and both oboe and English horn in highschool. I was also in the chamber choir in highschool, which got me singing all the time. Somewhere in there I taught myself guitar and started posting covers on Youtube attempting to impress my crush. My mom, Linda (who plays my mom in the music video!), was instrumental in matchmaking me and music. She is an amazing singer and pianist and always supported my musical endeavors, even when I told her I wanted to quit piano lessons!
What motivates you to be creative?
The fact that every creative project inherently involves working with incredible artists is a huge motivation.
Do you have any other creative outlets?
Yes! It was when I was nearing the end of my theatre degree that I decided to make music more than a hobby. So now I am finding a balance between theatre and music. I’m currently Theatre Replacement’sCOLLIDER Artist in Residence, building a show of mine, which is a musical “pop-up book performance”. I really like this practice of melding theatre and music in ways that subvert western musical theatre frameworks. Other than plunking away at that project, other creative outlets include dancing, doodling, a needle crafting thing, or cooking!
Can you talk about the inspiration behind “Different Than Before?”
The song was written in May 2020, and at the time, there was a harsh uprising of Asian hate crimes, especially in Vancouver. I was worried for my family, my elders, and my community. I wrote this song with this longing for change, balancing that with an acknowledgement that it won’t happen in an instant. We’ve got to keep working for more tomorrows until our community can live without fear of being attacked.
Where did the vision for this video come from and how did the project come together?
I performed and spoke about this song at an online concert in the summer of 2020. Mayumi Yoshida was streaming the concert, and we were just about to release our first music video, Groupthink, which she directed. She messaged me calling dibs on this song “Different Than Before”for our next project. I was excited about this, but it felt preemptive, as I hadn’t successfully secured any funding to record the song, let alone make a music video for it. We put a hold on thinking about it while I saw through the logistics of the album recording. In the spring of 2021, Mayumi and I had brainstorming sessions on the visuals. I love her brain, and after a lot of conversations about what the story would be, we teamed up with Sebastien Galina at Boldly to apply for Creative BC’s Music Video Program. From spring to fall, we loosely touched on plans. The scope of the project was quite large, and we knew we needed some more financial support to fully realize the vision. We applied to RBC’s MVP Program in the fall of 2021. By December 2021, we had enough funding, we brought on Lynne Lee, and the ball rolled very quickly from there. We shot the video in March 2022, and it feels surreal to be releasing it now.
What was challenging about writing this song and making this video? What surprised you?
Logistics are challenging. Practicing patience is challenging. Asking for support is hard. And still being in a pandemic…
But seeing how many people were so interested in being a part of it was surprising and so humbling. It really is special when a silly little song that I wrote in my bedroom could become something like this, where I got to work with such experienced artists and activists to bring this project to its full potential. Like, WHAT? I’m still pinching myself, truthfully.
How do you define success as an artist?
Ooh that’s tricky. I find it hard to find a proper measure of what success is. But maybe, in part, success is being in a place where neither the amazing or terrible comments/reviews alter and affect how you see your work. I’m not there yet.
How does your sense of identity influence your work?
I think my sense of identity plays a lead role in my work. Whether it’s about being young, being a woman, or being Asian, most of my lyrics stem from those identity pieces. Thematically, things can expand out from there, but they’re usually rooted in identity.
What is the role of art in society?
Art is a reflection of society. And art creates walls for people to either play within or break down (amongst other things!). I think.
What is a dream project you would like to take on?
I dream of choreographing a tap dance show and then writing a musical score that replicates the exact same rhythms, and then present the two pieces as a double bill??? I also dream of composing something for an orchestra!!!?? And I dream of writing children’s raps???!! But I am also currently working on my dream projects right now, so I’ll have to finish those first.
What are your upcoming plans and where can we see you perform next?
Different Than Before will be released on May 20th. A couple more singles and music videos to follow, and then my debut album will be released in the fall. I will be performing on May 26th, organized by Elimi8hate and VAFF. I will be returning to develop and perform in re:current theatre’s New Societies, an interactive theatre game, which will have a short Vancouver run in June, and a tour in July/August!
Join the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) on May 14 for the 10th Annual VAFF Industry Insight Series entitled:
“Celebrate Representation, Opportunity and Evolution”
The series will be kicked off with a hybrid model of in-person, hands-on workshops, panel sessions and virtual filmmaker discussions. The series will be geared toward providing insight and insider perspectives for aspiring and current filmmakers of diverse backgrounds, and those in the industry who aim to work with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera.
On May 14 at 7pm, Dr. Avril Wang of the Thangka Art Center of Shanghai will walk us through the history of Thangka painting and its elements, features and characteristics. Dr. Wang will also share with us the new developments and academic findings in many fields of Thangka and Tibetan culture research and collection.
Dr. Avril Wang received her Litt.D. in Comparative World Literature from Shanghai Normal University. Dr. Wang is currently the director of the Thangka Art Center of the Shanghai United Calligraphy and Painting Institute and the vice president of the Hong Kong Thangka Art Research Association. Dr. Wang chairs Shanghai Tanlu Culture Co., Ltd.
Dr. Avril Wang conducted her cross-disciplinary research under the tutelage of the leading authority in French literary Prof. Zheng Kelu. Dr. Wang published translations of “Little Women” and “A Tale of Two Cities”. Her new book about a study of the moral thoughts in Sartre’s novels is scheduled to be published in the United States in 2023.
Dr. Wang is involved in many fields of Thangka and Tibetan culture research and collection, and she is committed to promoting academic findings to the public. Dr. WAng has been invited to give lectures at the Taiwan Financial Summit Forum, the United Nations Conference on Religious Culture in Asia, Qinghai Provincial Museum, Shanghai Guanfu Museum, Yuantong Ancient Temple, Yihe Four Seasons, and Shanghai Library.
This year, VAHMS had the privilege to partner with Shaw Multicultural to showcase three Interconnected Artists on their channels! Check out each of the artists and their videos below:
Zoe Cire
Zoe Cire is a visual artist born and raised on Treaty 6 territory of central Alberta, currently residing as a guest on unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Cire is an amalgam of Cree, Métis descent through her maternal side and mixed European paternally. Cire’s works talk with the culture that raised her, her kookum’s Cree lineage of Beaver Lake Cree Nation and mushoom’s Métis lineage. Cire completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and minored in Curatorial Studies from Emily Carr University. Upon graduation, Cire was awarded the Vancouver Art Attack Award where she went on to have a solo exhibition, Berrypicker (South Main Art Gallery). Since then, she has exhibited in Discovery (Seymour Art Gallery) and tântê ê-wî-itohtêyahk (Deer Lake Gallery).
Check our her past work in time & place, which explores the artist’s relationship between the earth, history and identity.
Leo Cunanan, Jr. was born in the Philippines and moved with his family to Canada when he was 9 years old. His early interest was in music and he took up drum lessons from Drums Only at age 13. At 21, he joined a band as a drummer and toured with Butch and The Sundance Kids professionally for a number of years. In the late 90’s, he studied graphic arts and worked as in-house graphic artist for a family-owned publication, Dahong Pilipino, the Filipino Canadian Community and Business Directory, of which he is now the president and publisher.
Leo developed a strong interest in fine arts upon meeting the maestro SYM Mendoza who provided him the inspiration to pursue an art career. “Everything I know in art, I learned from Tito SYM; he opened the door for me to discover my potentials and really enjoy painting more than anything else.” Leo works in pastel, charcoal, oil, watercolour; and also enjoys creating digital art.
Avery Go is a self-taught aspiring artist, born and raised in Vancouver. She mostly draws people, and in general, tends to draw in a realistic style. An always curious-person, she finds the world, with its shapes and colours, fascinating, and replicating and embellishing these in her art is something that brings her joy. Her preferred mediums are graphite or Procreate. Despite this, she would love to be able to experiment and use other mediums more often.
Avery started drawing when she was around two years old; a hobby she has carried with her throughout her life. She knew she wanted to become an artist when she was six, and now, ten years later, still hopes to fulfill that dream by pursuing a path in visual arts in university.
Check our her Interconnected Artist Spotlight art here.
VAHMS’ Recognition Awards Gala has been renamed as the Community Awards Celebration! The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the PAL Studio Theatre to recognize and celebrate the arts and cultural diversity that Pan-Asian Canadian communities bring to Canadian society. During the event, we will be honouring individuals and organizations that have made a difference in these Pan-Asian Canadian communities.
The celebration will include: * Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments * Music by Elysse Cloma * Co.ERASGA’s performance of Passages of Rhythms
About Co.ERASGA
Founded by choreographer and dancer Alvin Erasga Tolentino in 2000, Co.ERASGA has a distinguished international reputation with its vision of hybrid dance, diversity and collaborations with other artistic practices and multimedia.
At the heart of Co.ERASGA is Artistic Director Alvin Erasga Tolentino, a Filipino-Canadian artist of remarkable commitment, talent and energy, whose diverse cultural background and heritage has been a driving force for much of the company’s work. In addressing themes that reflect Tolentino’s individuality, global awareness and ethnicity, Co.ERASGA exposes and explores issues of cultural identity, gender, hybridity, and promotes cross-cultural dialogue.
Perfect for poetry lovers! Listen in on this ancient Chinese poetry session on May 14 at 11 AM.
The greatest feature of ancient Chinese poetry is its profound meaning. The true meaning of poetry is often different from the literal meaning. It is related with culture and history. This lecture takes three poems as examples to show the difference between the true meaning and the literal meaning of poems.
Dr. Ally Wang, Ph.D. in Ancient Chinese Literature and Writer
Wang has published hundreds of articles about Tang Poets and over ten books including “The Study of Jiaofang in the Tang Dynasty”, a prose collection named “Leaving the Best Time with You” as well as the translation of “The Poet Zheng Zhen (1806-1864) and the Rise of Chinese Modernity” (Schmidt, 2013). Wang also has hosted cultural and educational seminars at the Vancouver Public Library and many other community organizations.
Asian communities in North America have played vital roles in shaping Canada and the United States – from building both countries’ transcontinental railways to fighting for civil rights. Today they continue to contribute to advancements in science, literature, politics and beyond; as well as impact North America’s rich multicultural societies. In celebration of May’s Asian Canadian and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, explorAsian and the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver are proud to bring together trailblazing Asian Americans and Asian Canadians to discuss their journeys in the fields of space, diplomacy and acting.
Join us on May 13 at 11 A.M. PST to hear from how these individuals overcame barriers to become leaders in their fields.
A new music video will premiere on May 8th, 2022 called Dare to Dream, from Did I just Say That? Click here to watch at 10am the day of!
In celebration of mothers, grandmothers, matriarchs, and mother figures, Dare to Dream honours the untold stories of the ancestors who endeavoured for a better life.
“I’ve never seen a character like my mother on stage or on TV. She was born in Victoria of Chinese immigrant parents who paid the head-tax, and has a Canadian accent. In photos from the 50s and 60s, she was fashionable and rather glamorous-looking, playing sports, hanging out with friends, working various jobs. So the piece is a tribute to her and my grandmothers, the women of colour who do the essential work that keeps Canadian society going, yet continue to be invisible.” – Valerie Sing Turner, librettist
Artists:
Librettist: Valerie Sing Turner Composer: Katerina Gimon Singers: Emma Parkinson, Sodam Lee Pianist: Perri Lo Audio Producer: Olivia Quan Editing: David Ng (Love Intersections) Videography: D’Arcy Hamilton Director: Stephanie Wong Associate Director: Debi Wong Producers: Stephanie Wong and Debi Wong Commissioned by re:Naissance Opera
