Corky Lee: Pioneering Asian American Photography

Corky Lee, also known as the “undisputed unofficial Asian American photographer laureate,” passed away on January 27, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. He was 73 years old.

Lee was a pioneer in the world of photography, using his camera to capture the stories and struggles of Asian Americans and other marginalized communities. In this article, we will remember Corky Lee and his impact on the world of photography.

Who Was Corky Lee?

Born in Queens, New York in 1948, Corky Lee was the son of Chinese immigrants. He grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood and often felt like an outsider. It wasn’t until he discovered photography in high school that he found his passion and a way to express himself.

Lee attended Queens College and became involved in the Asian American movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He used his camera to document protests and events, capturing the voices and faces of the Asian American community.

The Corky Lee Way

Lee’s photography style was unique and powerful. He believed in capturing the raw and unfiltered truth, rather than staged or posed images. He often referred to his approach as the “Corky Lee way.”

His photographs were not just about capturing a moment, but about telling a story and giving a voice to those who were often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media.

A Photography Pioneer

Lee’s work was groundbreaking and helped pave the way for other Asian American photographers and artists. He was the first Asian American photographer for major publications such as the New York Times, Time Magazine, and the Associated Press.

He also co-founded the Asian American Journalists Association and was a founding member of the New York chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans.

Corky Lee’s Impact on Asian American Representation

Throughout his career, Lee used his camera to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of the Asian American community. He captured iconic images such as the “Asian American Movement” mural in New York City’s Chinatown and the “I Am an American” photo series, which featured Asian Americans holding signs with the same phrase that Japanese Americans were forced to hold during World War II internment camps.

Breaking Stereotypes

One of Lee’s main goals was to break stereotypes and challenge the way Asian Americans were portrayed in the media. He often photographed Asian Americans in everyday settings, showcasing their diversity and humanity.

In an interview with NBC News, Lee said, “I wanted to show that Asian Americans are not just the stereotype of the laundryman, the cook, the math nerd, the prostitute, the gangster. We are more than that.”

Documenting History

Lee’s photographs also served as a historical record of the Asian American experience. He captured significant events such as the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten to death in a hate crime, and the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which were sparked by the acquittal of police officers who brutally beat Rodney King.

His photographs not only documented these events but also provided a perspective that was often missing from mainstream media coverage.

Remembering Corky Lee’s Legacy

Lee’s impact on the world of photography and Asian American representation cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who used his camera to tell important stories and give a voice to those who were often silenced.

Corky Lee Photography Book

In 2020, Lee published a book titled “Corky Lee: Photographs of Asian America.” The book features over 200 of his most iconic images, along with personal anecdotes and reflections on his career.

The book serves as a tribute to Lee’s legacy and a reminder of the importance of representation and storytelling through photography.

Honoring Corky Lee’s Memory

In the wake of Lee’s passing, many have paid tribute to him and his work. A GoFundMe campaign was started to help cover his medical expenses and has since raised over $100,000.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced that a street in Chinatown will be co-named “Corky Lee Way” in honor of the photographer.

Conclusion

Corky Lee was a pioneer in the world of photography and a champion for Asian American representation. Through his powerful and impactful images, he challenged stereotypes, documented history, and gave a voice to marginalized communities.

His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of photographers and artists. As Lee once said, “I hope my photographs will be a record of the struggles and achievements of Asian Americans, and that they will help others to understand our history and contributions to the American story.”

Rest in peace, Corky Lee. Your photographs will continue to tell important stories and make a lasting impact.

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