Welcome to the world of Corky Lee, the undisputed unofficial Asian American photographer laureate! In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of this legendary figure in documentary photography.
From his iconic images of Chinatown to his activism for social justice, Corky Lee captured the beauty and complexity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, challenging stereotypes and prejudices along the way. So, who is Corky Lee? Let’s dive in and find out!
Who is Corky Lee
Corky Lee was born and raised in Queens, New York, and he started his career as a freelance photographer in the 1970s. He was passionate about highlighting the diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and challenging the stereotypes and invisibility that they often faced in mainstream media.
Lee’s work appeared in various publications, including The New York Times, The Village Voice, and Time magazine. He was especially well known for his images of Chinatown in New York City, as well as his coverage of political events and social issues affecting Asian Americans.
But Corky Lee was more than just a photographer. He was a community activist and advocate for Asian American representation in the arts. Lee played a key role in promoting greater representation of Asian Americans in the media, helping to establish the Asian American Arts Alliance in New York City.
Corky Lee Overview
Early Life and Career
Corky Lee was born in Queens, New York, in 1948. He grew up in a Chinese American family and became interested in photography at a young age. Lee’s father was also a photographer, and he passed on his passion for the medium to his son.
After graduating from high school, Lee attended Queens College, where he studied political science. However, he continued to pursue his interest in photography, and he began working as a freelance photographer in the 1970s.
Lee’s early work focused on the experiences of Chinese Americans in New York City, particularly in the neighborhood of Chinatown. He was interested in capturing the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there, as well as their struggles and triumphs.
Photography Career
Over the years, Corky Lee became one of the most prominent documentary photographers in the United States. His work appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, where he was a regular contributor.
Lee’s images captured the diversity and complexity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, challenging the stereotypes and invisibility that they often faced in mainstream media.
He was especially well known for his coverage of political events and social issues affecting Asian Americans, such as the 1982 killing of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was beaten to death in Detroit by two white men who mistook him for Japanese.
Lee’s images of Chinatown in New York City were also widely celebrated, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the neighborhood. Lee’s work helped to humanize the people who lived and worked there, challenging the stereotypes and prejudices that often surrounded the neighborhood.
Activism and Advocacy
Corky Lee was more than just a photographer. He was a passionate community activist and advocate for social justice, playing a key role in promoting greater representation of Asian Americans in the arts and media.
In the 1980s, Lee helped establish the Asian American Arts Alliance in New York City, which provided support and resources to Asian American artists and promoted their work. He was also involved in various social justice movements, such as the fight for redress and reparations for Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.
Lee’s activism and advocacy were driven by a deep sense of commitment to social justice and the belief that art and photography could be powerful tools for creating change.
He saw his work as a way of challenging the invisibility and marginalization of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and he fought tirelessly to promote greater representation and respect for these communities.
Corky Lee Passed Away From COVID-19
Corky Lee passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 73, due to complications from COVID-19. His passing was a great loss for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and for the world of photography.
Lee’s work continues to inspire and influence photographers and activists today, providing a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and social justice. His images capture the beauty and complexity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, challenging the stereotypes and prejudices that often surround them.
Moreover, Lee’s activism and advocacy continue to inspire people to fight for social justice and representation. He believed that art and photography could be powerful tools for creating change, and his work and legacy are a testament to that belief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Corky Lee was a legendary figure in the world of documentary photography, capturing the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
He was a passionate community activist and advocate for social justice, fighting tirelessly to promote greater representation and respect for these communities. His legacy lives on through his powerful images and the impact he had on those he touched throughout his life.
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