Bernice Bing: Open Call

The video and literary work in this exhibition was selected from an open call — the first in the Asian Art Museum’s history — issued in conjunction with Into View: Bernice Bing. An underrecognized Beat-era painter and activist, Bernice Bing’s inspiring life and work continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. In keeping with Bing’s passionate commitment to local activism and building bridges in her community, this open call was organized in collaboration with the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA), the Chinese Culture Center, and the Kearny Street Workshop.

“The open call allows us to provide more access and generate curiosity about Bernice Bing,” explains Into View curator Abby Chen, the museum’s head of contemporary art. “As people respond to it, they’ll need to investigate who Bernice Bing was; it’s a way to foster greater awareness of her work across generations.”

Artists and writers of any age from any location were eligible to apply, responding to the prompt: “Modern and contemporary art was deeply influenced by art in Asia, including landscape, calligraphy, abstraction, and minimalism. In tribute to the Bernice Bing exhibition and collection at the Asian Art Museum, what is contemporary art through the lens of Asian and Asian American art and cultures?” From 249 submissions, jurors ultimately selected 25 finalists to be featured. The exhibition was curated by Naz Cuguoglu, assistant curator of contemporary art and programs.

Selected artists and writers: Robin Birdd David, Meghana Bisineer, Kristiana 莊礼恩 Chan, Jennifer S Cheng, Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Anastasia Doantrinh Le, Anito Gavino & Malaya Ulan, Lamnho Giang, Sora Han, Kiana Honarmand, Dan Jian & Diana Abells, Kwinnie Lê, Bianca Lee, Diana Li, Sujin Lim, Sarah Matsui, Catherine Niu, Jenny Qi, Jacoub Reyes, Natalie Sasiprapa Organ, TT Takemoto, Justine Tamiko Lai, Jane Wong, Liwen Xu, J. Yùrú Zhōu.

Jurors: Kim Anno (artist); Jason Bayani (artistic director of the Kearny Street Workshop); Naz Cuguoglu (assistant curator of contemporary art and programs at the Asian Art Museum); Melanie Elvena (programs manager, AAWAA); and Yuanyuan Zhu (director of galleries and programs at the Chinese Culture Center).