Mouth of the Coal Mine

Here, Red Canary Song is situated between its history and its vision for the future. Initially congregating around the death of Yang Song and the imminent needs of migrant massage parlor workers, the focus of Red Canary Song has since shifted to include the needs of a wider population of Asian sex workers and labor organizers. Foregrounded against photos of institutional violence such as police surveillance, anti-massage labor propaganda, and eviction notices for a Flushing bodywork spa, this installation highlights Red Canary Song’s resistance efforts through photos and ephemera from past actions.
Shown here, starting from top right: photo of the 2018 vigil for Yang Song by Corky Lee; recreation of an altar at the 2019 Yang Song vigil, photo of a ritual rope performance by N. Flux and Yin Q at Red Canary Screams, a 2019 fundraiser for Red Canary Song; a protest sign on a Chinese calendar; linocut print by N. Flux.
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This installation was constructed by N. Flux, MJ Tom, Ying T., and Yves with assistance by Princess Beans
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Created for the Sex Workers Pop Up Art Show March 2020