2023
"Enter the Dragon" evolved from an early acrylic piece 2 years ago, to an entirely new piece. Frustrated and out of canvases one day, I repainted over the old piece: a ying yang surrounded by waves and fire, to develop something I felt represented my favorite influences as a visual artist to date.
Wong Kar Wai's famous motorcyle scene in "Fallen Angels" with it's lime green tint, is burned into my mind. The "Great Wave" by Hokusai is represented in my own attempts of a wave, and the symbolic crown often seen in the works of the great Basquiat all reside together in combination here. 
With the goal of representing and honoring the influence and artists before me, I find myself disovering more of what it means for me to be Asian-American. 
The text: "Asian Kids Don't Wear Crowns" references my feelings of confusion in discerning what my own true art and style may look like. All representation is fueled through empowerment. A crown - a symbol of regality and power - is meant for anyone to wear.