Discover Monyee Chau's Art: Healing & Starbucks Collaboration
Can art truly heal, bridging cultural divides and fostering community? Monyee Chau, a Seattle-based artist, believes it can, and their work, a vibrant tapestry woven from personal experience and heritage, is a testament to this powerful belief.
Monyee Chau, who identifies as they/them, has emerged as a compelling voice in the contemporary art scene. Based on Coast Salish/Duwamish land, Chau's artistic journey is marked by a commitment to explore themes of personal and collective healing. They approach their art through the lens of a queer Taiwanese/Chinese American, finding strength in storytelling and the communal act of sharing a meal. Their art is a dynamic expression of identity, cultural understanding, and the transformative potential of creative practice. Chau's art, which often incorporates vibrant colors and intricate details, reflects their deep connection to their heritage and their exploration of complex emotions and experiences. The ability to connect with diverse audiences is one of Chau's strengths as an artist.
To understand the multifaceted dimensions of Monyee Chau, let's delve into the details of their background, career, and aspirations in the following table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Monyee Chau (they/them) |
| Born | Seattle, Washington |
| Age (as of this writing) | 24 (feeling 23!) |
| Cultural Background | Taiwanese/Cantonese, second-generation American |
| Education | BFA, Cornish College of the Arts (2018) |
| Artistic Focus | Personal and collective healing, queer identity, cultural heritage, storytelling, community building |
| Mediums | (Specific mediums not listed in provided text, but known to be varied based on artwork) |
| Key Themes | Identity, cultural memory, food as a connector, activism, migration, labor systems |
| Current Projects | Starbucks artist collaboration series, upcoming zine |
| Notable Collaborations | Nina Vichayapai (Fruits of an Imagined Geography project) |
| Inspiration | Personal experiences, cultural heritage, family and restaurant life, Sharon Arnold (curation/decolonization), Bob Campbell (family inspiration) |
| Community Involvement | Lunar New Year event for the Kraken, Wing Luke Museum |
| Location | Coast Salish/Duwamish land (Seattle-based) |
| Artistic Style | Illustrative, expressive, often incorporating vibrant colors and detailed imagery. |
| Website (Example) | Example Website (Note: Replace with actual website if available) |
Monyee Chaus artistic journey, from childhood dreams to a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in 2018, is a testament to their dedication. Their work is deeply personal, informed by their identity as a queer Taiwanese/Chinese American, and resonates with a powerful message of healing and connection. Their exploration of themes like identity, cultural memory, and the transformative power of food highlights how shared experiences and collective narratives can form strong communities. "How I understood that the I love yous came in the form of a steamed fish topped with ginger," Chau reflects, illustrating how food transcends language, becoming a vital component in the expression of love and cultural connection.
This summer, Monyee Chaus art will be prominently featured on the latest collection of Starbucks drinkware at participating U.S. stores. This collaboration is particularly significant because it aligns with Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within the United States. This partnership showcases Chau's artistry on a widely accessible platform, allowing their unique perspective and powerful storytelling to reach a broader audience and contribute to the recognition and appreciation of diverse artistic voices. The integration of art into everyday objects like a water bottle, tumbler, and coffee mug invites a continuous engagement with art. By creating a shared experience through these collaborations, Starbucks fosters inclusivity by broadening access to art.
The artist's creative process thrives in the quiet hours between 10 a.m. and the afternoon, a testament to the significance of finding moments of peace in the daily rhythm. Chau finds the daily grind of work and life better approached with the aid of a series of podcasts which proves helpful in truly zoning into the days work.
The intersection of food and community is another crucial aspect of Chau's work. As seen in their collaboration "Sharing Juk," which explores how food and shared meals build and strengthen communities. Chinatown and Chinese restaurants become spaces of cultural preservation, where food functions as a universal translator of love and labor. "Fruits of an Imagined Geography," a collaborative project with Nina Vichayapai, exemplifies this. Installed at the Facebook office in Bellevues Spring District, this mural showcases bright, felt produce alongside graphics referencing the presence of immigrants, sparking conversations about exploitative labor systems, migration, and activism.
Chaus artistic journey has been shaped by the mentorship they've received. At Cornish College, they studied between 2014 and 2018, crediting Sharon Arnold for teaching the meaning of curating work and the importance of decolonization within gallery spaces. Arnold's guidance has been crucial in shaping Chaus approach to making truly meaningful artwork. Inspiration also comes from unexpected places. They credit Bob Campbell with inspiring them to return to family and restaurant life for creative inspiration. This influence from family and the restaurant has enriched Chau's work, connecting their creative pursuits to their cultural background.
The artwork often originates in Chaus research for their upcoming zine, which is a personal journey of healing through art and practice. Storytelling becomes the central instrument by which the artist engages with the world, their narratives serving as a medium of personal, and societal, growth. A poster bearing the defiant words, We will survive this too, encapsulates their resilience and hope.
Monyee Chaus artistry extends beyond the canvas. Their presence in the community shows a dedication to creating change. Their participation in the first Lunar New Year event for the Seattle Kraken underscores the importance of cultural traditions. In February, Chaus art was on display, showing a commitment to promoting cultural awareness. This aligns with their broader artistic practice, which seeks to bridge different communities and celebrate shared heritage. This collaboration provides a new layer to the appreciation of the art and culture of the AAPI community.
The collaboration with the Wing Luke Museum also represents the artists alignment with institutions committed to the preservation and celebration of Asian art and culture. These collaborations highlight Chau's dedication to weaving art and community together.
Lana Blinderman, an architectural photographer documenting built environments in Seattle and beyond, also plays a role in highlighting the artistic landscape of the region. The collaboration between artists and the documentation of environments exemplifies the rich cultural tapestry of Seattle.
The artwork of Monyee Chau challenges its viewers to engage with the complexities of identity, cultural memory, and the power of art to heal and connect. Their work provides a vivid reminder of art's ability to bridge cultural divides and strengthen the fabric of our communities. As an artist, illustrator, and community member, Chau embodies the spirit of creation and the promise of heaven through the power of art.
