Artwork copyright Dean Wong. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Boy in Alley, 1991

Dean Wong
(American, born 1954)

Location: North Star Elementary, Graham

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Boy in Alley is part of artist Dean Wong's series of photographs that document and preserve the way of life in Canton Alley, a small section of Seattle's Chinatown. Wong spent his own childhood there. He notes: "it is my wish, that through my work, people gain a better understanding of the Asian community and cultural diversity that is such an important part of our lives in this country."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bethel School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based photographer Dean Wong creates black and white documentary images and portraits with a focus on Asian American communities. Wong was born and raised in Seattle's Chinatown/International District and has photographed its communities for over four decades. He notes that "It is my wish, that through my work, people gain a better understanding of the Asian community and the cultural diversity that is such an important part of our lives in this country."