33rd Annual Lunar New Year Bazaar
January 18th, 2025
A surge of excitement shivered through the crowd as the Cal VSA Lion Dancers took the stage. Lions danced, pranced, cuddled children, and accepted red envelopes into their flapping jaws, the adoring audience crowding around them as they made their way through the throng. Sweet performances from the Lincoln Recreation performers, the Oakland GaGa Dance Class and the Fei Meng Drum dance were just some of the other acts that kept the fun rolling.
Everything was exactly as it should be in a Lunar New Year celebration at the 33rd annual Lunar New Year Bazaar in the heart of Oakland's Chinatown. It was filled with excitement, culture, and community spirit, with contagious energy stemming partially from the delicious dumplings available, but principally from the collective joy that only a vibrant community celebration can bring.
After the lion dance, I wandered off to do a bit of shopping in the bazaar. Tables were filled with herbs, medicines, and handmade goods. People haggled over remedies and sought out rare ingredients for the New Year. I stopped by a booth with bitter melons—those notorious fruits known for their intense, bitter taste (very good for you but remind me of alien dong). I weighed their health benefits against their awfulness and decided that my New Year's resolution to be healthier didn’t need to include them.
At another booth, a smiling teen proudly held up a sign that proclaimed the Asian Youth Services Committee (AYSC) had goldfish for sale. Were they special? I wondered. I pushed my way to the front and found a large tank filled with very healthy but perfectly ordinary goldfish.
Next, a booth of art caught my eye. Risographs of still-life vanitas displayed dragon fruits and lush flowers, while prints of Taiwanese foods were lovingly detailed. Finally, images of the streets of Oakland's Chinatown—each one capturing a different aspect of this vibrant neighborhood. I could feel the artist’s deep affection for her heritage and the food that had nourished her.
Felicia Liang, the woman behind the work, is a Taiwanese-American illustrator and printmaker whose art explores identity, culture, and emotion. Through her use of vibrant colors and intricate details, she creates pieces that celebrate her roots while engaging with the world around her.
"My art's inspiration is often pulled from where I'm living (or traveling to) or most likely what I'm eating. Some of it is rooted in my identity and what's important to me, and other times, it's just stories and feelings I come across just in my day to day. I try to make it a point to make art of things that I want to see more of in the world." Liang said.
Liang’s work can be found throughout the Bay Area, on everything from restaurant menus to merchandise, and even on the walls of local businesses. Her art feels at home in Oakland's Chinatown, where it represents both her cultural background and the neighborhood’s ever-evolving artistic community. She’s also had the opportunity to collaborate with small businesses, creating art that celebrates local communities in places like New York and Taiwan.
One of Liang’s collaborations was with the Los Angeles Kings for a Lunar New Year jersey last year, beautifully blending her identity with contemporary pop culture. She has also published two books, the latest of which, Taiwanese Homecoming, is a replica of her travel sketchbook, offering a personal exploration of Taiwan. Her sketches and stories provide insight into her connection to the island and its culture.
Happy Year of the Snake! May this year bring wisdom, transformation, and new creative opportunities for us all, and the next time you're in Chinatown, be sure to stop by one of the local art markets or galleries. You might just discover one of Felicia Liang’s pieces, something delicious, or a new part of Oakland.
