May marks the beginning of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Los Angeles County is home to more Asian-American residents than any other in the country. As lovers of art and design, we find inspiration in the rich history and heritage of these Eastern cultures. The big museums around town like LACMA, The Getty, The Huntington and Norton Simon all offer incredible Asian and Pacific Islander art collections and botanical gardens. In this article, we wanted to highlight some of the lesser known galleries and art spaces owned and inspired by Asian-American artists and curators.
Japanese American National Museum
JANM is the official national repository of Japanese-American history. They aim to share the experience of this culture with art exhibitions, documentaries, educational programs and events. Learn more.
Korean Cultural Center
The Korean Cultural Center prides itself on being the axis for Korean heritage in Los Angeles. They offer performing arts, exhibitions, field trip tours, cinema experiences, sporting events and educational programs designed to share Korean-American heritage. Learn more.
KP Projects (Merry Karnowsky Gallery)
This Los Angeles underground “lowbrow” art gallery was founded in 1997. You can find works of pop surrealism and street art with heavy influences of Asian art and culture. Learn more.
Gong Art Gallery
Located down in Newport Beach, the Gong Gallery showcases paintings, porcelain pieces and distinctive works from modern artists. These pieces reflect modern approaches while tying into cultural significance and aesthetic traditions of Asian culture. Learn more.
Human Resources
Located in historic Chinatown, Human Resources is a non-profit exhibition and performance space. They offer many shows and exhibitions from Chinese-American artists, designers and performers looking to share their inspiration with new audiences. Learn more.
Helen J Gallery
This unique LA gallery specializes in Asian art and design, with programming and exhibitions geared towards embracing Asian culture and the diaspora. The 4,500 square foot exhibition space opened in 2020. Learn more.
Sow & Tailor
This is a family-run gallery dedicated to supporting emerging artists by showcasing special art exhibitions and design projects. Learn more.
This is a small sampling of Asian-owned and inspired art galleries and design spaces found throughout Southern California. You can search more to find galleries near you. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience this Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month or any time of year, these are great places to plan a visit.
