Princess Margaret was shuffled past an art exhibit at the Royal College of Art in London in 1976 that was created by then student, Irene Kai. College officials deemed the work too provocative for even the liberal minded Countess of Snowdon. The images caused a major uproar within the Royal College of Art staff, which took two months to settle and caused the Royal College to change its hiring policy. The series of 16 images, previously shown in New York City and London, were released as a book in 2006, and encourage us to explore the source of our own sociocultural bias – causing us to take pause and examine our perception of human sexuality. What Do You See? will be exhibited at Found Gallery from June 8-June 30. Showing in Los Angeles for the first time. Artist proceeds from the show will be donated to production of Kai’s newest film, Red Earth Descendents. Please peruse the pricing list (pdf), or take a moment to win a two night stay at the Vineyard Cottage in the artist’s hometown, Ashland, Oregon.

Closing Reception: Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 7-10pm. The artist will be present and available to sign copies of her book, What Do You See? The event is free, and open to the public.

About the Artist:
Irene Kai is an artist, author, activist and teacher. Born in Hong Kong and educated at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, and the Royal College of Art in London, Kai’s career has spanned the gamut of artistic endeavor, from photography and graphic design, to authorship and cultural activism. She was the literal inspiration for George Segal’s Hand on Chest, which today hangs in the San Diego Museum of Art, and is the recipient of the National Freedom Fighter Award. Kai’s Peace Dove is now used as the signature image of the UN sponsored Culture of Peace Initiative.

Participating Artist(s):

Selected work from What Do You See?:

Press for Irene Kai:

Blackbook, Al Borde, LA Weekly, Going, LAist, LA Cityzine, BoingBoing, Flavorpill, DailyServing, LA Taco, UrbanDaddy, Buzz, Editor’s Pick at Going, Gawker Artists