More than 20 local artists are showcasing works in the "Wildest Dreams" exhibit at Nino Studio & Gallery in Seattle's Pioneer Square, running through July 31. Curated by Seattle-based artist Rya Wu, the show honors the histories, experiences, and cultures of first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants. Artists like Yaminee Patel use grains and legumes to depict the journey of food, while Allan Carandang addresses U.S. colonialism and the legacy of Spam in Guam. The exhibit is an extension of Wu's larger series "Have You Eaten," which began in 2023 to explore identity and home for the Asian diaspora.
The exhibit matters because it creates a visible, affirming space for immigrant communities at a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric and detentions are increasing. Artists emphasize that art can amplify silenced stories and foster belonging. By expanding beyond Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander artists to include other immigrant perspectives, "Wildest Dreams" underscores the universal relevance of immigrant narratives and the power of community-based art to address social and political issues.