Stanford University now houses 100+ Asian American artworks with Filipino masterpieces

Photo from cantorarts/Instagram

Art is never-ending, they’re just abandoned, Leonardo da Vinci once said but luckily for these Asian American artworks, they are being adopted by Stanford University where two Filipino artists are stealing the spotlight.

Stanford University’s Cantor Arts Center opened its doors with its acquisition of over 100 Asian American masterpieces — sculptures, paintings, and videos are the new gems of the center.

With these additions, Stanford is expanding their collection to 400 artworks. The heartbeat of it all? Cantor Arts Center’s Asian American Initiative in 2018 curated by Aleesa Pitchamam Alexander and art history professor Marci Kwon.

They’re not just expanding the collection, they’re rewriting history with some of the pieces coming from “underrecognized,” “emerging,” and “blue chip” artists.

Among the Asian American artists whose works will now be represented at Stanford University’s Cantor Arts Center are the late Filipina painter Pacita Abad; Chinese American artists Mel Chin and Kenneth Tam; Japanese American painter Ben Sakoguchi. https://t.co/qG3M2xmkFh

— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) December 18, 2023

“I am thrilled to continue our work to support Asian American art and artists,” stated the curator, Aleesa Pitchamam Alexander. “Together, we are not only redefining the Cantor’s identity, but art history as it is being written.”

This Asian American artwork collection doesn’t just boast of big names but also highlights diversity. From the late Filipino artist Pacita Abad’s brushstrokes to San Francisco-based Stephanie Syjuco and Los-Angeles-based Miljohn Ruperto, every piece is a distinct window into the vibrant tapestry of Asian American history.

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A post shared by Pacita Abad (1946-2004) (@pacitaabad)

Alongside their works, other artists’ pieces acquired are from Chinese Americans Mel Chin and Kenneth Tam, Japanese American Ben Sakogichi, and Korean American Sasha Gordon.

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Filipino heroes of the canvas

Filipino artist Pacita Abad was renowned for her life-sized trapunto pieces. Last October, her creations including her masterpiece “L.A. Liberty” from the “Immigrant Experience” collections graced the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

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A post shared by Pacita Abad (1946-2004) (@pacitaabad)

Joining the creative wave is Stephanie Syjuco, a conceptual artist with an impressive portfolio. “Blind Spot,” her exhibit at Michigan State University’s Broad Art Museum last July is her milestone.

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A post shared by Stephanie Syjuco (@ssyjuco)

Another Filipino artist whose works are now displayed at Stanford is Miljohn Ruperto. His cross-disciplinary artworks range from cinema, photography, digital animation, and performance. His creations lean more toward anecdotal and historical happenings.

Unseen battles of the Asian American artists

Amid exposures in exhibits, Asian American artists often remain unnoticed. Thanks to Cantor Director Veronica Roberts who saw what these artists procure, “We all know it’s not just pure talent,” said Roberts.

With a lack of representation in the art scene, the Asian American Art Initiative aims to redefine the narrative. While discrimination among Asian Americans and hate crimes are prevalent, the art collection stands tall.

It’s not about molded sculptures and brushstrokes but a lens to the real lives of Asian Americans.