ABOUT ME

Growing up in Hong Kong and the United States, Andrew always had a passion for art. However, when it came time to choose a career, he opted for Fashion Design instead of Fine Arts. This seemed more practical, never daring to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inevitable and emotional stay-at-home order transitioned the reality and priorities of daily life. He began working with cardboard boxes as a fun activity with his children as an escape from the monotonous stress of the imposed and indefinite isolation. This play turned into a passion as Andrew reiterated these cut-out designs and models into more intricate forms of portraiture. Paper became the preferred medium. Attaching and lifting the simple cardboard cut-outs perpendicular to the substrate to build three-dimensional works of art that allow light to illuminate hues and articulate shadows, creating an elaborate portrait full of depth and feeling. The process is gratifying and he felt compelled to continue this work as both a means of expression and defiance.

As a young Asian American, Andrew felt that his culture was simultaneously under-represented in the mainstream media and relegated to Orientalism and jokes. Knowing the stories are complex, beautiful and deserve to be told in all their intricacy, the aim is to highlight and celebrate the beauty of his culture and heritage. Positively portraying and lifting the many marginalized individuals and communities in the United States who share in the invalidating experience of being both under-represented and misrepresented.