As a Chinese American, Minneapolis-based artist Anika Schneider’s perception of herself has long been based on two lenses.
There’s the one through which she looks at herself and the other through which others perceive her.
That dual identity forms the basis of Double Consciousness, Double Happiness 囍, the exhibition of her work that went on display at the College of Saint Benedict’s Gorecki Gallery Monday (Oct. 28) and will run through through Dec. 7.
“Double consciousness is actually a social philosophy originally used to describe the experience of black Americans post-slavery,” she said. “Having your own perception of yourself while also being conscious of how you’re viewed by white Americans.
“For me, my understanding of my own identity – especially growing up – was often shaped by the way others perceived me.”
Schneider said the exhibition – which includes large prints she created using dry point etching, as well as ceramic pieces and paper lanterns – thus examines her own Chineseness through her American experience.
That exploration is guided by the concept of Chinoiserie, an 18th century European aesthetic that imitated Chinese motifs for decorative use on art, furniture and architecture.
“During the 1700s in Europe, you had ceramic and textile influences that became very popular through what we’d now say is cultural appropriation,” said Schneider, who currently serves as the director of exhibitions and artist programs at Minnesota Center for Book Arts and as an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
“The patterns on ceramic plates or wallpaper were based on the European idea of what Chinese designs and patterns looked like. I relate a lot to that concept because I am Chinese, but I’m not. It’s my background and tradition, but I wouldn’t be considered Chinese by those who grew up in China.
“So this exhibition kind of plays with that concept.”
It also draws heavily on her childhood memory and traditions, including from a culinary perspective.
“When you’re dealing with themes of family, memory and culture, food is so tied to all of that,” said Schneider, who will take part in artist talk as part of a reception scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Gorecki Gallery. “It’s one of the ways people from other cultures in America really celebrate their culture and traditions and remember them. In the process of immersion, food is often one of the last vestiges of your connection to that other culture.
“I’m melding my own experience of watching my Chinese grandmother make Chinese food, but using American food and ingredients, or storing traditional Chinese cuisine in American Tupperware.”
Schneider also hopes the exhibition conveys the love and joy that exist in Chinese American families.
“I wanted to portray Chinese American representation with some humor as well because that’s not always how Chinese Americans are presented in mass media,” she said. “So often, we’re portrayed as very serious and very stern. You don’t always see the love that exists there.”
Schneider is a fiscal year 2024 Recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This exhibition now on display is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
