Alumna, employee Yiqiao Wang creates mural for Union Market

In her new mural, “Deaf AAPI Experience,” Yiqiao Wang, ’09, celebrates the multicultural spirit of American Sign Language. Located on the northwest side of the main Union Market building at Fifth Street NE near Neal Place NE, the mural also represents the pride and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) deaf communities and their contributions to society. 

On the left wall, the words “EQUALITY” and “INCLUSION” are portrayed, while on the right wall, an Asian-American Deaf woman signs “ASIA”. The mural’s bright and bold colors symbolize the vibrancy of AAPI culture, and incorporates iconic landmarks of Washington, D.C. — a city where the deaf community is well-represented. This mural reminds people that the Deaf community is not monolithic. It also serves as a message that equality and inclusion are important in removing the invisibleness of the AAPI deaf community, historically underrepresented by society, and is a call to action to see and understand them.  

A secondary goal of this mural is to promote awareness about Gallaudet University and the Deaf community and its place within the NoMa neighborhood.  

Originally from Beijing, China, Yiqiao Wang is a senior artist and creative designer in the Gallaudet University Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Wang takes a variety of approaches in exploring her illustrative visions, using both hand drawing and digital work. Her creative principles are based on a theme of vivid color. She has also created several prominent mural designs, including the scrim in the Maguire Welcome Center at Gallaudet University, the Loon Mural in downtown Minneapolis, and the Vibrant mural in the Signing Starbucks store at 625 H Street NE. 

This mural was made possible with sponsorship by Gallaudet University, Convo Communications, Union Market District, and Gables Union Market.