The Brentwood Arts Exchange is hosting 'Borderless,' a mixed-media art exhibit celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, running through May 30. Curated by ceramics artist and art teacher Akemi Maegawa, the show features works from artists including Mei Mei Chang, Julia Chon, Jeff Huntington (JAHRU), Jun Lee, and Tang, representing Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The exhibit includes oil portraits, 3D masks, found-object installations, sculptures, and woodblock prints exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural fluidity. On May 9, the artists participated in a talk as part of the Gateway Open Studios Tour, a one-day annual art event spanning multiple Maryland communities.
This exhibit matters because it provides a platform for AAPI artists to challenge both literal and conceptual boundaries, reflecting on Asian American history and culture during AAPI Heritage Month. By addressing themes such as language barriers, immigrant experiences, family dynamics, and internal psychological borders, 'Borderless' fosters cross-cultural understanding and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Asian Americans to the cultural and economic fabric of the United States. The show also strengthens local community engagement through events like the Gateway Open Studios Tour, connecting artists with audiences in the Brentwood area.