Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Artist Victo Ngai Send a Powerful Public Message of Identity

After a tough year of pain and strife within the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, ‘Project Honor’ was born to uplift, bring joy and support to the AAPI community in the Bay Area and beyond. 

To counter the daily acts of hate against Asian Americans (example 1/2/3/Atlanta shooting), Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P) partnered with a world-renowned artist, Victo Ngai, and GoFundMe to create a powerful public art with the message: “To be Asian is an honour.”  Inspired by Sandra Oh’s 2019 Golden Globes acceptance speech, this artwork consists of 55 hand-illustrated pieces featuring portraits of the AAPI community. It captures joy, diversity and pride of the AAPI community while celebrating their accomplishments. 

Sponsored by GoFundMe, the full gallery of art can be found on the Project Honor landing page, in addition to more information about how to support the AAPI Community Fund, donations to which support organisations that uplift and empower the AAPI community. 

This traveling artwork is being featured at multiple sites in the Bay Area including the historical landmark, the SF Ferry Building and the iconic digital screen at Salesforce West through May (AAPI Heritage month). It will continue to travel to other locations in June.  

“Our Asian and Pacific Islander identity is not tied to a single month, nor is it a monolith,” said GS&P creative director Maria Lee. “We must not only stop Asian hate, but continue to celebrate our diversity, proudly recognise our accomplishments, and give back to the community.”

In addition to the artwork, this campaign also brings over 13 major brands together in solidarity. AAPI founders, C-suite, and executives at Gold House, Next Shark, Sephora, Pinterest, SAP, Workday, Kimberly Clark, Visible, Google, Facebook, Apple, CJ Foods, and more are sharing what makes them proud to be part of the AAPI community.

“We’re proud to come together in solidarity and support the AAPI community in such a beautiful way,” said GoFundMe CMO Musa Tariq. “Everyday GoFundMe empowers people to champion causes that matter and harness the power of kindness, generosity, and creativity. Because that is how meaningful change happens.”

“We brought this piece to life in shades of gold, as it is the most prized colour across many Asian cultures, symbolising strength, beauty, success and triumph,” said artist Victo Ngai (Forbes 30 Under 30 Honouree, Society of Illustrators New York Gold Medalist). 

“I felt a deep connection with each portrait—which were inspired by our families, friends, and neighbours in the Bay Area— though I may not know them personally. The portrait of a family celebrating graduation could easily be mine; the dad gleefully holding his newborn, my husband. I hope the viewers will feel the same.”