SANITHNA
Model Minority
About the artwork:
Model Minority
The idea of a truly equitable society can feel utopian and unreachable. This will remain true until we all reject the current system and revoke the authority of those who maintain an imbalance.
A deliberate and united response, from AAPIs alongside all marginalized communities, specifically in the context of class solidarity and advocating for social progress (quality education, affordable healthcare, environmental protection, civil rights, political accountability, etc.), could have so much potential impact for the greater good. Even addressing our own issues with tribalism (ethnically, economically, geographically) and broadening our own myopic views of "success" (falsely rooted in capitalism and consumerism) would be a powerful start in mending separatism, fortifying our collective strength, and dismantling an unjust system.
These thoughts were considered in the process of creating this "battle jacket," which are often worn by punk and heavy metal subcultures, to show alliance to ideals and cultural touch points. The patches and pins serve as symbols for solidarity and as calls for growth, as interpreted by an AAPI person.
About the artist: Sanithna Phansavanh (suh-neat-nuh pon-suh-von) is an artist living and working in Atlanta, Georgia. He splits his project efforts between gallery work, public art, and art direction.
Ranging from small pencil drawings to large-scale painted murals, his art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable showings at the High Museum of Art, on the Atlanta BeltLine, as a part of the Living Walls Conference, and through the City of Atlanta’s art programs.
His design work has partnered him with organizations that span multiple disciplines and industries, from the American Cancer Society to IHG to Target.
He likes long walks on the beach and hopes that the Hawks and the Falcons win a chip soon.
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