Besides Math is an exhibition dedicated to providing a platform for young, second-generation Asian American artists where they can express their concerns, issues, and voices. Sponsored and curated by the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative, this open call exhibit highlights the rich, multifaceted narratives that define the Asian American experience, pushing back against the narrow image of being solely academically inclined or good at math.

The works reflect a diverse group of young artists through a variety of artistic expressions and addresses cultural identity, generational challenges, societal expectations and the personal struggles and triumphs of growing up as a second-generation immigrant. By giving voice to young artists, the hope is to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the varied experiences within the community and celebrate the power of art to break down barriers and build connections.

About the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative

Established by Houston artist June Xu, the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative was created as a platform where Asian Americans could authentically showcase their artistic work and amplify their voices.  The Initiative exists to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions and provide opportunities for Asian American artists to express their identities, share their stories and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant cultural dialogue. For more information about Asian American Art & Culture Initiative, please visit www.aaartculture.org.

CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG

Library of Things

• Sumi-e Kit
• Electric Yarn Winder
• Wood Carving Kit
• Watercolor Markers
• Floral Rubbing Plates
• Abstract Rubbing Plates

Kid/Juvenile

• The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge
• A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang
• The Dot by Peter Reynolds (Flip Kit)
• Excellence in the Arts by Virginia Loh-Hagan
• Girls to the Front: 40 Asian American Women Who Blazed a Trail by Nina Mata
• The Magic Paintbrush: The Guardian's Quest by Kat Zhang
• Made in Asian America: A History for Young People by Erika Lee
• Red is a Dragon: A Book of Colors by Roseanne Thong
• Roots and Wings: How Shahzia Sikander Became an Artist by Shahzia Sikander
• Wei Skates On by Nathan Chen

Teen/Young Adult

• Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min
• David Tung Can't Have a Girlfriend Until He Gets Into an Ivy League College by Ed Lin
• I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee
• I'm Not Here to Make Friends by Andrew Yang
• Not Your Average Jo by Grace Shim
• The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen
• Becoming Asian American: Second-Generation Chinese and Korean American Identities by Nazli Kibria
• Chinese Prodigal: A Memoir in Eight Arguments by David Shih
• Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl by Hyeseung Song
• Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir by Eddie Huang
• An Inconvenient Minority: The Attack on Asian American Excellence and the Fight for Meritocracy by Kenny Xu
• The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee
• Ordinary Disasters: How I Stopped Being a Model Minority by Anne Anlin Cheng
• They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies that Raised Us by Prachi Gupta
• Uncommon Measure: A Journey Through Music, Performance, and the Science of Time by Natalie Hodges
• The Verifiers by Jane Pek

Watch

• Good Americans
• Not Your Model Minority
• Pass or Fail in Cambodia Town