Disconnected Connections

2024-ongoing

"I am fragmented. I am Chinese Canadian."

Through the parallel stories of two Chinatowns, Disconnected Connections is an exploration of immigration, displacement, and the ties of my family history with my mixed heritage. The small mining town of Barkerville, British Columbia is home to the second oldest Chinatown in Canada. In the 1840’s the people there immigrated from the Guangdong Province. In the 20th century, my grandparents immigrated from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province to Toronto.

Existing in the North American landscape, many are disconnected from their traditional cultures through displacement. While Chinatown has been home to my family, I feel distanced. After years of visiting my grandmother there, Chinatown has come to bring me a sense of comfort. Yet, I feel as a mixed person living in Canada, there is only so much I can comprehend about my culture. Questions of being connected, knowing, or being enough reoccur in the back of my mind.

"A&A, Toronto"
"The Hong Family, Barkerville"
"Grill House, Toronto"
"Kai Wei Supermarket, Toronto"
"Christmas Dim Sum"
"The Tsang Family, Barkerville"
"Chinese Bakery, Toronto"
"Lung Duck Tong, Barkerville"

"A&A, Toronto" "The Hong Family, Barkerville" "Grill House, Toronto" "Kai Wei Supermarket, Toronto" "Christmas Dim Sum" "The Tsang Family, Barkerville" "Chinese Bakery, Toronto" "Lung Duck Tong, Barkerville"

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I am greatly thankful to all those that have come before me. Those who have worked hard against odds to give me rights and to face adversity so Chinatown can welcome newcomers to this day. I sought out to showcase both Chinatowns through the lens of admiration, appreciation, and what I feel most connected to.

 

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