P004 → Hidden in Plain Sight

This history of the city intrigues me, as does how urbanization transforms the social fabric and shapes our ideas of community identities. Street names are like the pages of a history book, rich without color and tales. The names of the streets serve as markers for the passage of times, events, and individuals.

“Why is it that in an area with a sign that says "China Basin Street", there are absolutely no traces of Chinese culture?” This question crossed my mind as I walked along Terry A. Francois Boulevard. This query led to the emergence of a graffiti-covered newspaper box and two replicated road signs.  

The forgotten Chinese immigrant history associated with this street serves as the road map for this project. The derived Chinese street name and the graffiti artwork on the newspaper box were created collaboratively by my grandfather in my hometown, Hangzhou, and myself. The Chinese road signs and Chinese-style graffiti serve as a formal recognition of the invaluable contributions of the Asian-American community to the city's rich history and the vibrant cultural fabric of this neighborhood. Unfortunately, this unique urban gem is confined within Chinatown. This act of reverse colonization reflects my resistance, as a new generation immigrant, against the sense of displacement I feel in this area.