Museum of Asian Texans

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Museum of Asian Texans

The MAT preserves and amplifies the lived experiences of Asians in Texas

05/10/2026

“Sakeenah” by Ya’akub Ira () is now open for viewing.

Artist statement:
If you look up the word tranquillity in a dictionary, there you will find yourself having to read the definition of the word of someone “having the quality or state of being tranquil.” Someone who is serene, calm, or placid. In other words, someone who is free of disturbance. This, is how the word tranquillity is often defined. But have you ever wondered how frequently we find ourselves in a condition of tranquillity in the midst of chaos where the state of being serene is often absent?

Bellicose in its nature on how the trajectory of this world that we live in, it is Sakeena that has provided me the will to keep on fighting for what is just. To be able to be calm and composed. To be in a state of Equanimity (while the world seems to be in turmoil) is a gift from Allah that is instilled in every human’s heart.

The photos that were selected for this exhibit were photos that I have taken while living in the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) and Dallas, TX from 2017-2025. I want you as the viewer to examine the photographs and find the Sakeena in each of the photos. Venture in finding it in the subject’s eyes, in their smiles, in their anger, in their conviction for standing for truth and justice. And while doing so, perhaps you too will find the gift of Sakeena within yourself that you didn’t know you had.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you.

05/06/2026

Have you ever wondered how often we find ourselves in a state of tranquility in the midst of chaos?

Ya’akub Ira Azurin Vijandre, a Dallas photojournalist, activist, and DACA recipient, presents his first photo exhibit entitled, “Sakeenah”, at the Museum of Asian Texans while he remains unlawfully detained since October 2025.

“Sakeenah”, or having the quality or state of being tranquil, is what wills Ya’akub to keep on fighting for what is just. Detained for his social media posts advocating against genocide and the rights to due process and humane conditions for political prisoners, Yaakub invites visitors to examine the photographs and causes that he continues to fight for.

“Sakeenah” will be available for viewing by appointment: [email protected].
Opening reception: Sunday, May 10 from 3-5pm and Closing reception: Sunday, May 31 from 3-5pm.

04/25/2026

a full house for tonight’s open mic 🗣️🎙️

04/21/2026

Join us this Sunday, April 26th from 2-4pm for the closing of “Sculpting Courage,” a solo exhibition by Elaine Antonio Bordeaux. See the figurative sculptures of Filipino heroes whose moral strength, identity, and sacrifice shaped history 🇵🇭 The informal mixer will include an artist talk by , snacks/refreshments, and karaoke!

04/16/2026

You’re invited! “Before It Fades” Closing Reception & Artist Talk with Shafkat Anowar

Sunday, April 19th from 11am-1pm (Artist Talk begins at 12:30)
Museum of Asian Texans
1409 Botham Jean Blvd #110
Dallas, TX 75215

Shafkat Anowar (শাফকাত আনোয়ার), born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a photojournalist whose work is driven by a deep belief in the power of visual storytelling. For him, photography is not just a craft; it is his primary language of expression. What began as a passion has become his profession, allowing him to communicate moments and emotions that words often fail to capture.

Shafkat believes that while not everyone reads newspapers, magazines, or books, everyone can read a photograph. Images transcend barriers; they are immediate, universal, and timeless. His work seeks to preserve fleeting moments, freezing fragments of life that might otherwise be lost in time.

Currently, he works as a staff photojournalist for The Dallas Morning News, where he spends his days out in the field, observing, waiting, and responding to whatever unfolds in front of his lens.

Beyond his professional assignments, Shafkat finds solace in nature. In his leisure time, he ventures into the mountains, capturing the vastness of the night sky, often waiting patiently each year for the full moon every month, drawn to its quiet, enduring presence.

Through his lens, Shafkat continues to celebrate the beauty of life as it unfolds, one frame at a time.

“Before It Fades” will available for viewing by appointment: [email protected]. Closing reception is on Sunday, April 19th from 11am-1pm.

04/12/2026

Now open 📣 “Before It Fades” is a compelling solo exhibition by photographer Shafkat Anowar, presented at the Museum of Asian Texans. This evocative body of work invites audiences into the luminous stillness of Texas nights, exploring the nuanced interplay between light and shadow, memory and impermanence.

Through Anowar’s thoughtful lens, visitors are encouraged to slow down, witness what lingers in the shadows, and imagine what lights the way forward.

“Before It Fades” will available for viewing by appointment: [email protected]. Closing reception: Sunday, April 19th from 11am-1pm, artist talk at 12:30pm.

04/11/2026

“Before It Fades” opens tomorrow, April 12th from 2-4pm. Stop by to see ’s incredible Texas night photography 🌙 The solo exhibition will be open through April 19th.

04/10/2026

“Before It Fades” is a compelling solo exhibition by photographer Shafkat Anowar, presented at the Museum of Asian Texans. This evocative body of work invites audiences into the luminous stillness of Texas nights, exploring the nuanced interplay between light and shadow, memory and impermanence.

Through Anowar’s thoughtful lens, visitors are encouraged to slow down, witness what lingers in the shadows, and imagine what lights the way forward.

“Before It Fades” opens to the public on Sunday, April 12th and will available for viewing by appointment: [email protected]. Closing reception and artist talk is on Sunday, April 19th from 2-4pm.

04/08/2026

Join us tomorrow for a powerful evening of art, history, and tribute as we honor one of the Philippines’ greatest heroines at the opening night of Sculpting Courage.

📅 Opening Night: April 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM
📍 Museum of Asian Texans
1409 Botham Jean Blvd #110
Dallas, TX 75215

On this special night, Elaine Antonio Bordeaux will present a sculptural tribute to Magdalena Leones—a Filipina war hero and fearless intelligence operative during World War II. She served as a courier for guerrilla forces, bravely transporting vital intelligence, weapons, and supplies under dangerous conditions. Her courage and dedication to freedom earned her recognition from both the Philippine and United States military.

Through Sculpting Courage, we celebrate her legacy and the enduring strength, resilience, and heroism of Filipino women who have shaped history.

✨ Come and be inspired by courage cast in bronze.
✨ Celebrate a legacy of bravery that continues to empower generations.

02/07/2026

“Offerings” opening reception tonight from 6-9pm ✨Through March 1st, the Museum of Asian Texans offers a view into an intimate struggle between rage and devotion by Christina J. Hahn (), curated by Leili Arai Tavallaei ().

Address

1409 Botham Jean Boulevard #110
Dallas, TX
75215

Telephone

+12148144816

Website

https://museumasiantexans.org/

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