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“Both destroyer and victim, the monster inspires terror and empathy- perhaps even admiration.” –James Hoberman

 

I was born and raised in Japan to Chinese parents and have immigrated to U.S. when I was ten years old.  I have since moved and lived all over the country from California to Louisiana, to Illinois, Nebrasaka, Maryland, Oklahoma, New York and currently reside in Seattle, WA.  I have since forgotten majority of my old tradition as what may be called my “old culture,” but one thing that I have dearly hung onto was a hideous Godzilla toy I have had since I was three years old.  Growing up, I was fascinated by the giant monster films, but one thing I noticed is that wherever Godzilla traveled, he was always attacked by the locals.  Much like Godzilla, I have been a victim of stereotype and racism in the various parts of the country.  This “Godzilla invading U.S.” series captures snapshots of my life, at different ages to talk about my personal struggles, my interpersonal relationships, and the directions I am going.

 

This series was inspired and influenced by the likes of Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾 北斎), Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) and more recently, Masami Teraoka.