Unapologetically Asian is a series of face mask made with layers of tightly woven cotton canvas, muslin, and one-of-a-kind Korean silk patchwork. The work is in response to the fact that preventative mask worn especially by Asian people has largely been perceived as an unnecessary overreaction, a proof of illness, or an open invitation to commit hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing number of officials and health experts have now argued that people should wear non-medical fabric masks in public to help prevent spread of the virus. However, COVID-19 linked cases of xenophobic violence and discrimination against Asian people are continuing to surge in the U.S. The artist's work unapologetically embraces her ethnic identity to confront COVID-19 related anti-Asian racism that is prevalent today. Supporters of the project become active participants as they wear the masks in solidarity, discuss the project with others, and bring awareness to the experiences of Asian people as well as other marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism.
