Same Same:
Hong Kong Series
Samesame: Hong Kong Series is a 3-part exhibit featuring photographic & installation works by LO (Lala Openi) and MOMB.
SameSame: Hong Kong Series includes (1) a meta recreation of Hong Kong’s most famous lennon wall from the ongoing protests that started in 2019, (2) a prototype streetwear line designed to portray the way various aspects, or threads, of our identities as diasporic people in a contemporary landscape are worn, and (3) select photographs of moments shared with distant relatives, who’ve transcended time & space to take form as a familiar sight, smell, taste, or energy. From the hilltop architecture, to the mountains, to the comfort food, to the moments of resistance, to the boats docking at the piers— everything was different, but the same. Though Openi’s familial roots run from Hong Kong to San Francisco, and MOMB’s from Nigeria to across the US, they both came to find moments where it felt like sitting with the origin story of similar views from ‘back home.’ Samesame.
Curated, and produced by LO (Lala Openi). Created, written, photography by LO & MOMB.
View the virtual exhibit here.
Exhibiting Artists
OPENI
THEY/THEM PRONOUNS
For the past decade, Cultural Worker, Designer, and multi-hyphenated Artist Lala Openi Cheung has created designs, films, and spaces for the extended & multifaceted communities in which they live, work, love and grow, as a genderqueer (gnc) 5th-generation San Francisco Bay-bred “American Born Chinese” (ABC).
Openi’s work as a creative strategist is in shifting the dominant narrative by both conceiving of, as well as bringing visual and conceptual execution to, projects that challenge our ingrained perspectives in the ongoing conversation we all have with, and between, self and space.
While their past work has focused on collaborative & inclusive revisioning of contemporary representations of the joy & multiplicity of people of color; their recent work has focused on internal meditations, bridging narratives, asking better questions, and representation amongst and alongside their fellow ABC’s within the larger currents tessellating and succeeding in the undoing of cultural and humanitarian erasure.
MOMB
THEY/THEM, HE/HIM PRONOUNS
A first-generation genderqueer Nigerian-American born and raised in Chicago, IL. Originally earning their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, Daniel recently attained their Master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Daniel’s theoretical approach blends Choice Theory, Positive Psychology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) with a holistic perspective for healing. Daniel has worked in research labs that conduct studies on learning and memory development in young children, across-cultures, in comparison to chimpanzees, as well as on the concept of hate and its impact on social relationships.
"CULTURAL FABRIC"— A STREETWEAR LINE DESIGNED FOR SAMESAME
a prototype streetwear line designed to portray the way various aspects, or threads, of our identities as diasporic people in a contemporary landscape are worn.
Available for purchase at theabstract.work/samesame
Quit Sweatin Me
The definitive answer for a tired question: Where you from? People of diaspora are often viewed as perpetual outsiders. The answer is bold, confident, not angry, but factual: I’m from here.
On either sleeve reads: “FIRST GENERATION” and “FIFTH GENERATION” as a nod to both of our lineage here in America. Deep red text represents bloodlines.
Samesame (Exhibition Tee)
See yourself reflected in everyone you interact with. Despite all of our cultural nuance and unique life experiences, we have a lot more in common than programming suggests. Finding common ground is essential for communication, and ultimately, the ability to work and share space together.
Down to Business
A homage to all people of the diaspora who grew up as kids hiding their homemade food at lunch because it “smells funny” to other kids. Whose grandfathers left to them not money, but favorite butcher knives from the old country. Who can fuck up some rice with chopsticks, a jook spoon, fork. Who put black bean chili oil on all dishes. Who haven’t forgotten how to eat with their hands.
