Lunchbox Moments by artist Amie Bantz

Lunchbox moments are the formative occurrences in the lives of many Asian American kids when a traditional Asian meal is eaten at school and peers in the lunchroom react. Positive or negative, the reaction is a shared experience of being judged. For this exhibition, artist Amie Bantz collected narratives from members of the AAPI community and physically wrote their stories onto spray-painted lunch boxes. This childhood imagery of lunchboxes and the commonality of food provides an accessible entry point to promote conversation. Although Asian food has gained popularity, it can still be a focal point of exoticization and shame. This project began during the height of the pandemic when anti-Asian rhetoric was prominent. Bantz saw this culture clash as an opportunity to promote conversation through workshops and they soon became a needed outlet for others as well.

Philadelphia-based Bantz uses artmaking to investigate identity. Imagery steeped in familiarity and nostalgia serves as the cornerstone of her work as she uses objects and scenes from her Korean-American upbringing to tell the complex, layered story of existing as a culturally mixed woman in America. “I have a story, my mom has a story, all of my friends have stories and I feel like that creates a collective narrative and identity,” said Bantz. “I really wanted it to be a little bit of humor, a little bit of seriousness, but ultimately just showcasing the Asian-American experience in America through this one lens. I believe that the only way to reduce hate is if we find common ground and that is the whole premise of the show.”

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