Chinese Take Out Mask

Don Kwan’s “Chinese Take Out Mask” in the form of a pandemic mask is made from a paper bag used to carry Chinese takeaway. His work bears witness to the increase in racism and social injustices against Asians across Canada and the world since the start of COVID-19. Kwan channelled his experiences through his mask project as a way to “translate these feelings into works of art. The series gave me strength to respond to my own challenges of being a gay third-generation Chinese Canadian artist and helped me find my creative voice during lockdown.”

Don Kwan, Canada

2020

Designed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Made in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Paper takeout bag, glue, cotton thread; printed

Royal Ontario Museum
2021.82.1-2, Gift of the artist Don Kwan