Through my piece, Tseng Kwong Chi, 'San Francisco, California,' 1979, I explore the Chinese-American experience in relation to the locations of Providence’s past Chinatowns. 

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          The title references Chi’s photo series, East Meets West, where he explores his relationship as a gay Chinese man with his American surroundings, and showcases how clothing can become a symbol for identity. 

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          By reusing Chi's title, I connect San Francisco to Providence and highlight the beginning and end of Harp Lee’s journey. Lee is the Chinese immigrant who invented the laundry business, creating a new industry because he would not settle for the work conditions under racist white employers. Through these references, circles and knots visually and conceptually connect important Chinese-American moments to recontextualize Providence's landscape and the Chinese-American diaspora.