We recently connected with Lynn Hai, Iris Zhang and Echo He and have shared our conversation below.

Lynn Hai, Iris Zhang and Echo He, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most impactful projects we have been involved in is a public art initiative titled “The Song of Dragon and Flowers” by artist Chen Dongfan. The project involved painting a 64-meter long mural directly on Doyers Street, one of New York’s oldest streets with significant historical importance to the Asian American immigrant community. This street was a shortcut that connected early Chinatown’s lean corridors – Mott, Pell, and Bayard streets – and became known as “The Bloody Angle” due to frequent gang violence and shootings during the late 19th century.

To highlight the historical significance of Doyers Street and celebrate the Asian American immigration to the United States, we collaborated with Chen Dongfan to submit a proposal to the New York City Department of Transportation, who then launched an open call for an art project on the street as part of Doyers Street Seasonal Street. Despite facing community conflicts, government restrictions, and unpredictable weather conditions, we were able to complete the project in just eight days.

Chen Dongfan’s intuitive approach and close relationship with the space enabled him to capture the soul and spirit of the dragon, which embodied the area’s rich Chinese cultural heritage. The flowers represent peace and a response to Chinatown’s violent history. Together, they formed a vibrant and dynamic song. The project was a huge success, and it generated a lot of positive attention for the community. We were able to engage with the community and get their input on the design of the mural, and we also worked with local businesses and residents to help promote the project. The mural has become a popular tourist attraction, and it has helped to revitalize the Doyers Street area. The project was covered by various press outlets worldwide, including The New York Times, NBC, Time Out, CBS, Artnet, Xinhua News, Prospect Magazine, China Daily, and Stern, among others.

During the three months that the project was on display, it received over 700,000 visitors, and we were honored to receive a certificate of special Congressional Recognition by congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for our contribution to the community. “The Song of Dragon and Flowers” project has significantly contributed to the cultural and historical importance of Doyers Street and continues to inspire and unite people of all backgrounds through art. We are proud of the work we did on this project, and are grateful for the opportunity to have been involved in it.

Shared by Echo He, Director of Fou Gallery

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In my capacity as an art exhibition curator, my interest in Fou Gallery was piqued upon hearing from acquaintances that it operated as an apartment gallery, diverging from the normative practices of mainstream art institutions. Whereas traditional galleries often hold art in a sanctified regard, segregating it from the mundane affairs of everyday life, Fou Gallery sees art as an accessible and integral aspect of daily existence, capable of inspiring, provoking thought, and promoting therapeutic benefits. This perspective holds that art can improve the quality of life for individuals.

My academic background in architecture, which examines the interaction between space and the human body, reinforces my conviction that rigorous academic research is essential for producing valuable and meaningful projects that positively impact society and history. In this sense, Fou Gallery provides an opportunity for emerging practitioners to showcase their skills within a supportive environment that values both practical outcomes and scholarly research.

Established in 2013, Fou Gallery functions as an organic art community situated in Brooklyn, New York. Its founding principle was a recognition of the need for contemporary art and culture to confront real-life challenges faced by our society through a holistic, sustainable, and spiritual approach. By treating art as an inseparable component of everyday life, Fou Gallery curates exhibitions that present a dynamic and inspiring selection of original artworks. Additionally, Fou Gallery hosts an array of events, such as film screenings, music performances, art and healing workshops, and culinary experiences, to promote a diverse and inclusive art environment.

For instance, in the Shadow of Day, Shadow of Night exhibition held in 2023, I collaborated with the glass artist Meng Du to produce an innovative and inspiring display that explored her works in greater depth. Extensive research into relevant resources uncovered an analogy between the narrative style employed in literature and visual art. The links between Du’s series of works were emotional and spatial, rather than temporal. Therefore, I used the concept of a “constellation” of events in literature to help the audience read and understand the artist’s creations. As Du’s artwork emanated a homely vibe, I transformed the gallery space into an old, mysterious room, with the artworks strategically placed on the walls, furniture, and throughout the space. This created a sense of comfort and connection for the audience, encouraging them to remain longer in the space and become more immersed in the artist’s creation. The resulting exhibition was a resounding success, lauded by both art critics and visitors.

Shared by Lynn Hai, Art Director of Fou Gallery

How did you build your audience on social media?

Fou Gallery’s primary focus is on the in-person art experience, rather than relying heavily on social media for audience engagement. Instead, social media is viewed as a means of disseminating information, such as exhibition opening announcements, artist introductions, work descriptions, and special event announcements. Posts are typically made 2-3 times per week, and this approach has proven successful for the gallery.

My suggestion for those just starting to build a social media presence will be that it is important to share meaningful information sincerely and be true to oneself rather than over-pleasing a perceived target audience.

Shared by Iris Zhang, Communication & Special Events Director

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

In terms of management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy, I would like to mention the book “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High”. Effective communication skills are essential in consolidating teamwork and are one of the most important aspects of running a business. The authors of this book argue that many people struggle to communicate effectively in critical situations, leading to miscommunications, conflicts, and damaged relationships. The book offers practical advice and tools to help readers prepare for and have productive conversations, even when emotions run high. The authors introduce the concept of “crucial conversations” and provide a framework for understanding them, including techniques for maintaining safety, controlling emotions, and achieving mutual understanding.

While some readers may find the book’s focus on communication techniques and strategies somewhat formulaic, the book still emphasizes the importance of building relationships and trust in any conversation. Overall, it is a helpful tool for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships.

“The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection” is a memoir by Michael A. Singer, an entrepreneur, and spiritual teacher, that I have been reading recently. The book details Singer’s decision to live a life of surrender and acceptance, rather than trying to control and manipulate the world around him. It is a testament to the power of surrender and the importance of trusting in the flow of life. The author argues that by letting go of our desire to control everything, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences that we might never have imagined. Although the book can be somewhat repetitive at times and lacks critical reflection on the author’s actions and decisions, it is still a worthwhile read for anyone interested in spirituality and personal growth.

Besides, I am also interested in detective novels and academic literature. Detective stories are an excellent source of inspiration for problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. Fictional detectives often have to navigate complex situations and use their intellect to solve challenging cases. This can be translated to the business world, where entrepreneurs and managers face various obstacles and need to use analytical thinking to overcome them.

On the other hand, academic literature can provide invaluable insights into theories, models, and frameworks that have been proven effective in the field of management and entrepreneurship. From books on leadership to research articles on organizational behavior, academic literature can offer valuable lessons on how to lead teams, create effective strategies, and manage risks.

Shared by Lynn Hai, Art Director of Fou Gallery

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fougallery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fougallery/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoiFpt5C2nHCMxWmDzwx92w

Image Credits
 Photography by Nadia Peichao Lin, Joey Zhaoyin Wang, Lynn Hai, and Xi Zhou.