Leland Wong \ Multiple drawings and paintings
About the Artwork
Leland Wong’s artwork is a poignant exploration of the Asian American experience, deeply rooted in his upbringing in San Francisco's Chinatown. Wong's illustrations, photography and painting are characterized by bold, dynamic compositions. His imagery encapsulates everyday life in Chinatown, addressing broader themes of social justice and civil rights, effectively capturing the complexities of racial marginalization and representation.
Through his iconic street fair posters, captivating photography, and powerful illustrations, Wong seeks to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for cultural heritage among viewers. His artwork draws on rich Asian iconography—featuring motifs like waves, the sun, and mythical creatures—intertwined with personal narratives and communal stories. Wong invites viewers to engage with their heritage and encourages a sense of communal identity. He poignantly remarks, "I want people to appreciate their heritage," emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s cultural history as it informs and shapes our collective present.
About Leland
Artist Leland Wong is best known for his hand-screen printed posters, illustrations, and photographs focusing on Asian American life. He is renowned for his depictions of the Asian American experience, combining traditional Chinese and other East Asian iconography with American themes and settings. Born and raised in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Leland’s father operated Fueng Wah Company (1942-1970), a Grant Avenue curio shop for tourists. Alongside the souvenir trinkets, novelty items, and eclectic Asian imports, the elder Wong sold his own calligraphy, prints, and paintings at the shop. Leland helped his parents run Fueng Wah until the shop’s 1970 closure. Leland cites his father’s encouragement and the experience of growing up in the store as important in his decision to become an artist.
While the Fueng Wah novelty items surrounding him in his youth had a great influence on Leland’s waggish aesthetic, his experiences as a young man track through the years of the Civil Rights Movement, urban riots, Vietnam War, and college campus protests. Increasingly conscious of the social problems in Chinatown and among Asian Americans, Leland became deeply involved with community organizations such as Chinatown North Beach Youth Council, Kearny Street Workshop, and Japantown Arts and Media. Leland began to create artwork to promote their events and to express social justice concerns.
Leland has now been active as an artist for over five decades. He was the Chinese Historical Society of America’s Artist in Residence from 2013-14. His works have been exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC and the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds thirteen of his works in their permanent collection. Currently, his first Nihonmachi Street Fair poster welcomes travelers at the Harvey Milk Terminal #1 at SFO Museum at the SF International Airport.