Day 140: Tseng Kwong Chi Residence & Studio, Manhattan, New York
📌APIA Every Day (140) - Tseng Kwong Chi, born in Hong Kong in 1950, moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family in 1966. After coming out as gay, he experienced a temporary rift with his father, prompting him to leave home and open a fashion boutique. He later attended art school in Paris, where he developed a passion for photography. In 1978, Tseng moved to New York City with his sister, Muna Tseng, who was pursuing a career in professional dance. Living in the East Village, Tseng became involved in the downtown arts scene and met artist Keith Haring, becoming Haring's official photographer and documenting his work extensively.
In 1980, Tseng and Muna moved to a loft at 162 West 21st Street in Chelsea, where he lived until 1989. The loft, which Tseng shared with curator Saul Ostrow and later his partner Kristoffer Haynes, served as both his residence and photography studio. This space became a gathering spot for various artists and friends, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Bill T. Jones. Tseng's studio was known for impromptu photo sessions, capturing the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the 1980s New York arts scene.
Tseng is best known for his "East Meets West" series, which features over 100 self-portraits taken over a decade starting in 1979. In these photographs, he wore a Mao suit and posed in front of iconic landmarks, exploring themes of cultural identity and Western perceptions of the East. His notable works include "New York, New York" (1979) and "Bill T. Jones Body Painting with Keith Haring" (1983). Tseng's photographs are part of several prestigious collections, including the Guggenheim and the New York Public Library. His work was also known in China through art magazines, influencing contemporary Chinese artists before the country opened to international trade.
LEARN MORE:
NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project: Tseng Kwong Chi Residence & Studio
YouTube: East Meets West - Tseng Kwong Chi Documentary
YouTube: Interview with Muna Tseng on Tseng Kwong Chi
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