I am Not a Tourist: Conversations on Being British Chinese

This special exhibit featuring East Asian artists has been organised to celebrate the launch of the nonfiction book I am Not a Tourist: Conversations on Being British Chinese by Daisy J. Hung, published on 13 March 2025 by HQ/HarperCollins. The book is a deeply personal journey untangling what it means to exist at the intersection of cultures. It is a bold and honest critique of race at a time of increased anti-Asian racism, a powerful search for belonging, and a reimagining of what it means to be ‘British’, in all its complexity.

Speaking to themes of identity and belonging, this collection of artists from The Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford, the School of Arts at Oxford Brookes University, and local professionals, share their perspectives on the world through a wide range of mediums. Daisy will also share her embroidery artwork originally commissioned by ESEA Community Hub, and other pieces related to the book.

Using paintings, sculpture, textiles, photography, mixed media and film, this is a compelling exploration of East Asian diasporic perspectives – at times challenging, often joyous, and always deeply engaging, speaking to our shared humanity. Join us in making connections across countries, cultures, industries, institutions and backgrounds to see ourselves and each other in a new way.

I am Not a Tourist: Conversations on Being British Chinese can be pre-ordered now and physical copies will be available from 13 March 2025. More information can be found at daisyjhung.com and pre-orders can be made through Waterstones and Amazon. A sample chapter can be accessed through HarperCollins.

Daisy J. Hung is a diversity practitioner, writer, and artist, advocating for social justice across personal and professional spheres. She is the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division at the University of Oxford. Daisy has a unique, international perspective on race, identity, and belonging, informed by a career of over two decades across legal, non-profit and education sectors working to support marginalised communities. As a person of Chinese descent, born in Canada with family from Hong Kong, raised in the US, and now settled in the UK, her sense of identity has shifted among many different contexts.

 

Participating Artists

● Olive Au, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Kai Yan Cheung, Ruskin School of Art, MFA student

● Yunseo Cho, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Jiyong Dong, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Annette Harvest, Ruskin School of Art, MFA student

● Cyrus Hung, Ruskin School of Art, MFA student

● Daisy J. Hung, author and embroidery artist

● Sophia Li, Oxford Brookes School of Arts, UAL Foundation Diploma In Art and Design graduate

● Ruthie Liu, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Alexis Wong, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Poyan Yee, professional arts administrator and artist

● Cecelia Yuan, Ruskin School of Art, BFA student

● Chaoming Zheng, Ruskin School of Art, MFA student

● Tianyu Zhou, Ruskin School of Art, MFA student

 

Dates for the diary

Exhibition Celebration
Thursday 27 February
7-9pm
Join us to celebrate the artists and their work
Private Book Launch
Thursday 13 March
6:30pm – 8pm
Celebrating the launch of her book, Daisy will be at Daunt Books in Summertown for a private event. Spaces are limited. If you would like to attend the book launch, please contact daisyhunguk@gmail.com to confirm your place.