Hong Bao

April 2023

“If exhibitions curated for large art institutions are inauthentic and Asian audiences cannot connect to them, what is the art that Asian Canadian audiences actually want to see?”

Hongbao (lucky red envelopes) are given from older community members to the younger ones during the Lunar New Year and other holidays. They are usually filled with money and represent well-wishes to the younger generation. These are simple, every-day objects that we may take for granted. However, when taken in the context of diasporic Chinese communities, they take on the role of keeping someone connected to their culture. The aspects of familial connection, passing on knowledge, and intergenerational blessings make these envelopes a representation of the Chinese way of seeing.

Although they are now not so unfamiliar to people who are not Chinese, some audiences may still not know the traditions and context. The project does not aim to explain to an “outsider” audience what these envelopes are, nor does it provide the extra context explicitly. The main goal is to be a recognizable and accessible form of art to an Asian American audience, while anyone who is interested in having this experience is invited to join, and then do their own further research.

This project incorporates audience participation, creating a dialogue, and cultural exchange to discuss these themes. The annual celebration of Lunar New Year opens up opportunities to add iterations and expansions on this project in the future.