Rooted brings together AANHPI artists whose work explores memory, migration, heritage, and identity. As an immigrant queer artist, I am honored to collaborate and curate this inaugural exhibition at Ruth’s Table, dedicated to celebrating the vibrant voices of Bay Area AANHPI artists, as well as queer and women artists. This show creates a critical space where our histories are reclaimed, cultural legacies are celebrated, and our presence is powerfully asserted amid today’s complex political climate in 2025.

In honor of AANHPI History Month and inspired by the transformative legacy of Ruth Asawa, Rooted is a visual manifesto that reminds us of the fierce battles fought for our rights and the enduring strength of our community. The exhibition is a community-driven archive of survival and resistance, showcasing how our shared experiences of displacement, resilience, and transformation continuously redefine what we call home.

Each artwork is a testament to the intricate dance between past and present holding fast to ancestral ties while boldly forging new paths forward. Our collective narrative is not static, it is a dynamic, ever-evolving story of support, empowerment, and creative expression. This exhibition is a call to break through barriers of exclusion and invisibility by embracing activism, storytelling, and a celebration of our diverse identities.

It is both an honor and a personal journey to co-curate Rooted with Ruth’s Table, where every piece speaks to our shared struggle and triumph. My hope is that this exhibition fosters a profound sense of connection, healing, and empowerment, serving as a visual message that our community not only supports one another but also grows and flourishes together.

Let Rooted be a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and the strength we wield as we continue to write our collective story.

–Jun Yang, Curator