'Bloodlines & Brushstrokes': AAPI Group Exhibition Presented by Thumbprint Gallery, Hosted at Distinction Gallery

"Bloodlines & Brushstrokes"

AAPI Group Exhibition Presented by Thumbprint Gallery, Hosted at Distinction Gallery

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Exhibition Dates: May 9 – June 6

Location: Distinction Gallery

Thumbprint Gallery is proud to present "Bloodlines & Brushstrokes," a dynamic group exhibition celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and their diverse creative voices. Hosted at Distinction Gallery, this exhibition serves as an extension of the "Bloodlines & Brushstrokes" exhibition currently on view at Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla, expanding the conversation and bringing additional visibility to the featured artists and themes. The exhibition opens Saturday, May 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will remain on view through June 6.

Featuring original works by several local AAPI artists, "Bloodlines & Brushstrokes" highlights the richness of cultural identity, heritage, and lived experience through a wide range of visual styles and mediums. From deeply personal narratives to bold contemporary expressions, the exhibition offers a vibrant reflection of the many perspectives within the AAPI community.

The opening reception coincides with the Escondido 2nd Saturday Art Walk, inviting guests to experience an evening of art, community, and culture throughout downtown Escondido. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet participating artists, explore the exhibition, and enjoy live music during this special celebration.

This month's featured window display artist at Distinction Gallery is Lourans Mikhail, a multi-faceted creative currently living in San Diego, California, after honorably serving 13 years as a U.S. Marine. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Mikhail creates work across sculpture, painting, murals, and graphic design to explore different perspectives and challenge complex narratives surrounding socioeconomics, culture, politics, and race.

Inspired by his Assyrian heritage, graffiti, comics, anime, cartoons, and fine art, Mikhail’s work exists between the realms of lowbrow and pop surrealism. Through the use of wordplay and perspective—both figurative and literal—his work invites viewers to reconsider familiar ideas and engage with layered visual storytelling.

"Bloodlines & Brushstrokes" serves as both a celebration of artistic excellence and a platform for representation, dialogue, and connection within the AAPI community and beyond.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Cover art "Rock, Paper, Scissors" by Lucy Halle (detail)

Live music by Soft Serve

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