Projects

our projects

At The Red Blue Collective, our projects are dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that reflect the richness of the Chinese diaspora community in the Netherlands. Through a combination of artistic expression, historical research, and cultural storytelling, we aim to create projects that spark conversation, foster understanding, and preserve important narratives.

Inaugural project
Our inaugural project, Chinatown, is an exploration of the Chinese immigrant experience in Amsterdam. Focusing on the stories of the first-generation immigrants who settled in the city, this project uncovers the challenges they faced, the resilience they displayed, and the thriving community they nurtured. Through rich storytelling and historical insights, Chinatown seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of Amsterdam’s Chinese community and highlight the profound impact they have had on the city. This project marks the beginning of our journey to create meaningful and impactful narratives that honor diverse voices and histories.

past projects

In 2025, we will launch our inaugural project, 'Chinatown'. But we would not have been able to get here without our past endeavours, that have really laid the foundation for the collective.
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2024 / Flower Paintings
Flower Paintings was a fine art photo series exhibited at Haute Photographie, created by our co-founder Igrien. The series drew inspiration from traditional Chinese flower paintings, combining elements of symbolism and artistic technique to explore themes of beauty, transience, and cultural heritage. Each photograph in the series was a tribute to the rich legacy of Chinese art while offering a contemporary perspective on the symbolic meanings of flowers and their connection to identity, time, and dreams.

From 'Flower Paintings' by photographer Igrien

2022 / Asia Rising
Asia Rising was a powerful photo series published in Currant Magazine, created as a direct response to the surge of anti-Asian discrimination and hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through striking visuals and poignant storytelling, the series aimed to elevate the voices of Asian communities, offering a message of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Asia Rising served as both a creative statement and a call to action, raising awareness about the urgent need for solidarity and understanding across cultures.

A still from 'Asia Rising', a photography series published in Currant Magazine

2018 / Diversity Manifest
During our co-founder Igrien's tenure as the first Chinese-Dutch art director at De Bijenkorf, she pioneered the Diversity Manifest. This initiative was designed to ensure inclusive representation in all advertising campaigns, with a specific focus on increasing the diversity of model casting. As a result, Asian models were featured in national campaigns for the first time, creating a significant impact in promoting visibility and inclusivity within one of the Netherlands' largest department stores.

A national campaign for De Bijenkorf featuring an Asian model

2011 / Gen Y
Gen Y is a short film in collaboration with Cinemasia Film Festival, that delves into the challenges faced by the millennial generation, particularly the tension between following a secure career path and pursuing personal passions. The story centers on a group of Chinese diaspora friends navigating these struggles, offering a unique and intimate look at the cultural and generational pressures they face in balancing tradition with modern expectations.

A still from short film 'Gen Y' for Cinemasia Film Festival