Art for Action: Andy Han

Last but not least is Andy Han, a designer based in New York, and the son of Korean immigrants. He created his artwork to “represent the reality that we are all human. This image represents what I hope and pray America will be.”

All proceeds will be donated to the Asian American Federation. “Often times the Asian American community is not heard,” says Andy. “Part of that can be due to the language barrier. AAF provides english classes and other resources to help integrate immigrants in New York City.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you're from / you & your family's background.
A: My name is Andy Han and I'm a designer based in New York. I am the son of Korean immigrants.

Can you elaborate on the artwork you made: The story behind it . Personally, what does the art symbolize to you?
A: It always fascinates me what kind of depth, shapes and forms you can portray with just dots. I intended my piece to be seen from both far away and up close. From a distance, one might see the story of two different backgrounds or nationalities coming together. This represents the diversity of America. When you zoom in, one might see that both hands are made up of small, uniform dots. This represents the reality that we are all human. It’s been a rough year. It’s been long, exhausting, discouraging and difficult to understand. I created this piece because I didn’t know how else to react to the racial divide we all see. This image represents what I hope and pray America will be.

What does the organization you chose mean to you and why that specific one? Why do you feel others should be aware of it & supporting it as well?
A: Often times the Asian American community is not heard. Part of that can be due to the language barrier. AAF provides english classes and other resources to help integrate immigrants in New York City. It can be lonely being in a country where you don't speak the language. AAF also provides detailed reports on issues affecting the Asian American community in New York City such as poverty, mental health, and limited access to economic opportunity. AAF is an important voice for those who might not have one.