Canto Cutie - Volume 2

Being a BIPOC, especially an Asian
person, in an arts environment is very
strange, and can sometimes be
challenging. Although this is starting to
change, it is clear that the dominant or
default perspective is that of a white
man. Art history courses teaching
“modern art” almost always focus on
American or European modern art,
while the histories of BIPOC art are
always designated to special classes like
“African Art History” or “Chinese
Contemporary Art”. I have definitely felt
that I am always subject to the white
gaze, as my work is constantly being
judged on standards that have been
created by a Western and White art
world. But I can also say that this
environment is starting to change, if
only slightly. BIPOC associations like the
Black Student Union and Asian Student
Association, have begun speaking out
more about systemic problems on
campus, and I can feel teachers and
students actively working to decenter
the white male perspectives. It’s
definitely still a fight sometimes, but
there is an open conversation about it
on campus, and I think that is already a
step in the right direction.
Page 84-85:
Annika Cheng
Year of the Dog
Acrylic yarn and monk cloth
87