Trials and tribulations turned out to be a saving grace for Amy Leu who candidly shares her story.
AB: What do you want to share with us today? AL: It was by chance that I was diagnosed with breast cancer last August of 2022 and had my...
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Atypical Asian
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Atypical Asian Photography Project
This project focuses on Asian people from all walks of life who have volunteered to share their personal stories, experiences, and perspectives. It involves doing an interview and to have their photograph taken preferably in their element or wherever they feel most comfortable.
The purpose is to bring to light and celebrate the diversity of Asian people. It aims to do away with stereotypes and for people from all backgrounds and cultures to connect on some level by the stories told and to learn from one another.
The concept was created in 2019 and it stemmed from questioning the term people of color. At the time, it seemed the media applied the term to mostly Black and Hispanic people, while the Asian community seemed excluded from the conversation.
The project further evolved after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought with it an uptick of anti-Asian hate crimes with Asians racially discriminated against and thought of as the cause of the virus, while some further denigrating Asians as being a virus and not a person.
Asia is a huge continent with many rich and diverse cultures within. In general, by taking the time to learn about a person for who they are instead of judging their exterior, perhaps we will eventually come to an understanding and to live peacefully with one another.
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Wynne Leung Kim
Wynne Leung Kim shares her eye opening experience traveling to China and her incredible work with data. A: Tell us about yourself. W: I...
Ming Yi Wang-Llodrat
Working for a global retail company in the past, Ming often traveled and sometimes lived in different countries. He soon realized he...
Annie Lee and Paddy Kan
This couple owned a shop in the Lower East Side where you can find a variety of goods from different countries in Asia. A: Where are you...
Yalini Dream
Lankans (Sri Lankans)– Tamils, Muslims, Afro-Lankans, Wannyala-Aetto, and other minoritized communities especially– have a lot to offer....
Akash Nagaraja
A recent graduate from the University of Rhode Island, Akash shares his perspective and hope for the future. A: Tell us a little bit...
Karen Buenavista Hanna
A: Tell us a little bit about yourself K: I’m a mother, sister, partner, a friend, community member, a professor, writer, researcher, and...
Tanu Nagaraja
I was born in 1971 in New Milford, Connecticut, a small town near Danbury. In the late 50’s, early 60’s my dad did his residency first in...
Henry Yao
Henry’s charm and knowledge of running the Army and Navy Bags store in the Lower East Side keeps his customers coming back. A: Tell us a...
Richela Fabian Morgan
When it comes to being an artist, I really cling on to my maiden name Fabian. I think it’s really important. It confuses a lot of people,...
Foysal Uddin
Coming from a difficult and challenging childhood, Foysal, a Bangladeshi American shares his story. A: Tell us a little bit about...
Julia Chen
Coming from Taiwan, Julia tells us her story of how she found her voice as an Asian American artist. A: Tell us a little bit about...
Jeff Wong and Susan Olivio
Drawing since he was a young boy, it’s inevitable that Jeff would follow the same footsteps as his father, who initially discouraged his...
Jun-Sup Chung
To build something as a mechanical engineer was once a dream Jun-Sup had but instead he built a successful foundation for his kids...
Sharmin Uddin
Sharmin came to the U.S. as a toddler from Bangladesh and aspires to make a bigger impact for her community. A: Tell us a little bit...
Eriko Kida
Eriko’s curiosity to discover and learn about people and places, led her to leave her home country, Japan, and come to the United States...
Derek Srisaranard
Originally from Brooklyn, Derek moved to Queens after a serious near-death hit and run car accident in 2008. Today he continues to live...
Mozell Miley-Bailey
Mozell was born in Angeles City, in the Pampanga region in the Philippines and grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood in Woodside Queens,...
Shiila
Shiila has lived in the U.S. for some years as a graduate student at Syracuse University and is currently pursuing her PhD. We have the...
Taiyo Ebato
Talented and seasoned musician, rap artist, writer and educator Taiyo, shares his perspective and experiences growing up as an Asian...
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About me
My name is Addy Balajadia and I am the creator of Atypical Asian photography project. I was born in Quezon City, Philippines, and grew up in Queens, New York.
I am a creative at heart but professionally worked as a licensed practical nurse for over 20 years and also have a master's degree in Art Therapy. You can view my drawings and paintings on my website www.addybartwork.com and on Instagram addybpaints, my photography website at www.addybalajadia.wixsite.com/mysite-1.
Atypical Asian is ongoing and I aspire to include people from all of Asia. If you or someone you know would like to participate in this project, please contact me at addybalajadia@gmail.com and tell me why you think you would be a good fit. Only serious inquiries will be considered.
Disclaimer: The participants of Atypical Asian photography project is voluntary. There is no monetary compensation at any time, and in whatever form it is published. The creator retains the rights of this project.
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