“Asian Grocery” on show

“Asian Grocery” on show

Be prepared to see a makeshift Asian grocery store once you step inside the No Vacancy Gallery at QV. 

Seven artists with Asian cultural backgrounds will transform the gallery space into an Asian supermarket as part of the Asian Grocery exhibition, performance and workshop series from March 13-25.

On the display shelves will be fake kitsch Asian grocery products such as trinkets, packaged goods and tokens that are commonly seen at Asian grocery shops.

The artists will dress up in traditional Asian clothes as “the grocer” and interact with visitors during the free printmaking workshops and engage them in conversation about Asian identity.

Program co-ordinator and South Korean artist Youbi (UB) Lee said Asian Grocery explored what it meant to be Asian.

“It’s opening a dialogue for members of the public to think more about the concept of being an Asian through being in a stereotypical Asian supermarket environment,” she said.

The location of the exhibition, being just metres away from several Asian supermarkets and shops, also adds to the “Asian experience”.

“It’s a very interesting location. The CBD has many Asian residents and visitors and we are right inside QV, a very commercial place with many Asian shops and restaurants. So it makes it more fun to discuss the Asian identity and cultural elements,” Ms Lee said.

The exhibition is open at QV’s 34-49 Jane Bell Lane from 12-4pm from March 18-25, with a printmaking workshop held on March 18 and 25. Entry is free.

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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