This week in -ist: What's happening around the Gothamist Network

Did you know that the creator of Ray Fong, Barry McGee, is half Chinese? With that knowledge my question is, can a person be racist against their own race?

This post was written by Eric Nakamura, a friend of the artist.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

I know Asian Americans rally through emails. It seems like any worthwhile independent project or controversial topic spreads quickly this way. This is one of them, and honestly, it's not the most important topic, but it is something that I think you should know.

Yesterday, I received a pair of Ray Fong Adidas. They are truly beautiful shoes. The box, laces, and details are amazing. I doubt a sneaker can get much better. I put up some photos at:

http://www.giantrobot.com/blogs/eric

I realize there's a lot of controversy over the Ray Fong image that appears on this shoe. It's been on CNN and BBC in addition to the viral emails I mentioned. As a friend of the artist Barry McGee, I feel the need to come forward and address the topic.

I've known Barry for nearly ten years, and I can safely say that he isn't racist. For many of you who are following this controversy, you should know that Barry McGee is half Chinese-American, and has been featured on the cover of Giant Robot magazine multiple times. We were proud to exhibit the work of Ray Fong at our gallery in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Let me try to explain who Barry McGee is.

Coming from a graffiti artist background in San Francisco, Barry has transformed into an important contemporary artist in America. I personally believe that he has taken aspects of modern graffiti, including bombs, tags, throw-ups, stickering, and scribing, and made them acceptable in the world of fine art. Since his ascension in art, there have been numerous gallery and museum exhibits highlighting the new genre. The movement is featured in books and magazines around the world. One can also argue that it's given rise to a new industry in America, which is young contemporary art and many art-related products including designer toys, clothing lines, and, of course, sneakers. Barry is at the forefront of this, albeit unintentionally.

Making any product is rare for Barry McGee, and the shoe by Adidas should be appreciated as an art object. At $250, it's obviously intended for a select audience, which may but most likely won't include you. The image isn't a joke at anyone's expense; it's part of Barry's artwork. From his own words, the image is actually a no-holds-barred depiction of himself as a child. This isn't a racist Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirt or an offensive Adam Carolla broadcast. Imagery like this is something that's been done by many respected artists including Kara E. Walker, Kehinde Wiley, James Luna, and Manuel Ocampo. Basically it's taking negative stereotypical imagery and using them in a proud manner. Barry McGee's Ray Fong image can be looked at in a similar light, and will undoubtedly outlive us all. It will be placed into permanent collections in museums. It will be written about for years to come. It may eventually be in art history books. I believe that Barry's art is precious, and a

n important part of art history.

As an Asian American, I am proud to have Barry McGee as a role model. In the realm of graffiti and street art culture, there are few Asian-American faces involved, and none with Barry's widespread appeal. He is perhaps the most respected graffiti artist of all, and his audience ranges from broke art kids to billionaire museum benefactors. Most Asian Americans may not know Barry McGee or appreciate his art (yet), and that's a shame, but I recognize him as a hero and rank him among the 50 most culturally important Asian Americans.

Lastly, I know that this will eventually boil over and disappear. Those who hate Adidas for the moment will probably go back and buy a pair of shoes. I was going to let this go away, but after hearing the constant talk and reports of racism associated with Barry McGee, I felt the need to explain the Ray Fong I know. Help spread this side of the story.

Eric Nakamura

Giant Robot magazine

Giant Robot stores

gr/eats

Did you guys see the Gothamist interview with the Notorious MSG in February?

http://tinyurl.com/lu8x7

They asked some obnoxious questions:

So about that East Coast/West Coast thing - who has the better Chinatown? Do you have to ride around in bullet-proof rickshaws when out West?

Each Chinatown has it's own unique flavor. The Chinatown in Cali is much bigger and has been a great home for many of our people new to this country. In contrast, New York City's Chinatown is harder and grittier...which is why we love it more. You want to see the real deal, the real struggle, it’s right here in the NYC. Gotta stay true to the hood.

And you might not be aware of this, but there are these amazing inventions called "automobiles." Unlike rickshaws, they use this advanced technology called "engines" to propel them. I'd describe it further but I'm afraid your brain would start to smoke from all the technical jargon.

When you're roaming the streets, what kind of heat do you guys pack? Gas, electric, hot plate? What else do you pack?

Our most ferocious weapon is the heat that we pack between our legs. Our egg-rolls are like homing missiles, and we have a full-lock on the vagina, captain.

We're also considering packing your corny ass into a coffin if you keep it up with these asinine questions....

How do you feel about the other MSGs - monosodium glutamate and Madison Square Garden?

We feel that you should avoid a career in comedy.

I came away feeling they should've consulted the Shanghaiist beforehand.