Kearny Street Workshop Presents: The Hapa Project May 11, 2006

Kearny Street Workshop presents the opening reception for the solo exhibition, The Hapa Project, in conjunction with the publication of Part Asian, 100% Hapa (Chronicle Books). Artist Kip Fulbeck traveled the country photographing over 1000 Hapas from all walks of life ? from babies to adults, construction workers to rock stars, gangbangers to pro surfers, schoolteachers to porn stars, engineers to comic book artists. The first exhibition and book of its kind to showcase multiracials of partial Asian/Pacific Islander descent, the images are paired with each subject?s handwritten response to the question ?What are you?,? creating a powerful mosaic of intimacy, beauty, and identity. As Fulbeck states, ?This is the work I wish was around when I was a kid.?

The exhibition and reception are produced in association with the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and Chronicle Books.

ABOUT KIP FULBECK AND THE HAPA PROJECT
Artist Kip Fulbeck traveled the country photographing over 1000 Hapas from all walks of life ? from babies to adults, construction workers to rock stars, gangbangers to pro surfers, schoolteachers to porn stars, engineers to comic book artists. These are gathered together in /The Hapa Project/, the first exhibition and book of its kind to showcase multiracials of partial Asian/Pacific Islander descent.

Avoiding the exoticism often associated with multiraciality, Fulbeck strove to photograph these people as they really are, minus the trappings of everyday life ? the clothing and jewelry and makeup. These images are paired with each participant?s handwritten response to the question ?What are you?? creating a powerful mosaic of intimacy, beauty, and identity. The individuals here look directly at the camera and the viewer, presenting themselves to the world as a reality that will no longer be ignored. As Fulbeck states, ?This is the work I wish was around when I was a kid.?

Kip Fulbeck is a photographer, filmmaker, writer, and spoken-word artist whose work has been exhibited worldwide. He is Professor and Chair of Art at UC Santa Barbara.

For more information, please visit http://www.thehapaproject.com

ABOUT ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER CULTURAL CENTER (APICC)
Now in its 10th year, APICC supports and nurtures the artistic endeavors of the San Francisco Bay Area Asian Pacific Islander community. Through collaboration, sponsorship, producing and presenting, APICC supports the development and growth of multidisciplinary art. We empower the diverse voices of our community to reflect their unique experiences as Asian Pacific Islanders living in America. For more information, please visit www.apiculturalcenter.org

ABOUT KEARNY STREET WORKSHOP
Kearny Street Workshop is the oldest multidisciplinary Asian Pacific American (APA) arts organization in the country. Founded in 1972, our mission is to produce and present art that enriches and empowers APA communities. Our vision is to achieve a more just society by connecting Asian Pacific American(APA) artists with community members to give voice to our cultural, historical, and contemporary issues. Visit us at www.kearnystreet.org.

Official Website: http://www.kearnystreet.org