Opening Speaker, Benny Chan, exhibition curator.
In an ongoing series of exhibitions exploring diasporic New Zealand/Asian identity, exhibition curator Benny Chan unites 10 artists from the Auckland and Waikato region for the new exhibition Belonging: Stories of Contemporary New Zealand Asian Artists.
The story for New Zealand/Asian immigration is a complex one, beset by the colonial prejudices of the age. From the outset of the gold rush in the 1860's, Asian immigrants have forged an integral path within modern New Zealand society.
Chan states, 'Belonging tells stories of our people, from the hardships of the Poll Tax descendants through 160 years of building identity within a New Zealand context. Belonging is not an attempt to relitigate historical grievance, Belonging is a celebration of colour, diversity, and love. It is about embracing our combined culture and acknowledging our heritage. It is about community, home, and most importantly, that we belong.'
