ShowUp Announces Hidden Power: Survivors of Modern Slavery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2026, Boston – ShowUp is pleased to announce its upcoming show, Hidden Power: Survivors of Modern Slavery, a solo exhibition of works by Christina Chan. Hidden Power will run from May 1st - June 21st, 2026; an opening reception will be held on Friday, May 1st, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm.
This exhibition showcases Christina Chan’s hyperrealistic drawings that portray survivors of modern slavery. The exhibit aims to show what forced labor and sex trafficking can actually look like, and how it can often hide in plain sight. These hands and faces are drawn with beauty and intricacy, revealing both the quiet dignity and resilience of those who have endured. Their gestures carry unseen histories of exploitation and survival.
There is a staggering prevalence of unseen labor in industries like cocoa, textiles, technology, and hospitality. Visitors are encouraged to question the hidden cost behind familiar products and to explore what awareness means: do we continue life as usual, or find ways to change?
From Christina Chan: “Hyperrealism invites viewers to see modern slavery as a present day reality in our communities and everyday lives. Through each survivor’s gaze and posture, these portraits honor their strength and resilience and remind us the fight for freedom is worth it.”
“We hope this exhibition will bring to light not only the diverse stories of survivors but also the many ways in which we as individuals can influence upstream labor practices with more mindful purchasing habits.” says Christine O’Donnell, Executive Director of ShowUp.”The time which Chan spends on each drawing, up to 90 hours, further highlights time as a valuable commodity; an irreplaceable resource taken from individuals affected by slavery.”
ShowUp is open Thursdays - Saturdays 12-5 and Sundays 11-4. An opening reception for Hidden Power will be held on Friday, May 1st from 5pm to 8pm. An artist talk and additional events will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Artist
Christina Chan is a self-taught art activist dedicated to raising awareness about modern slavery. Through her art, she tells the stories of survivors, hoping to educate viewers on the prevalence of modern slavery and its connections to their everyday choices. Her journey began at a Christian conference in college, where she first learned about this issue. Since then, the global number of people trapped in modern slavery has doubled to 50 million. This crisis is intricately tied to products we consume daily, from chocolate to smartphones, and is driven by factors like climate change, war, gender inequality, and poverty.
As the saying goes, “once you see it, you can’t unsee it.” In 2022, she decided to do just that - make the survivors seen. Since then, she’s spent hundreds of hours poring over their faces, using charcoal to capture their strength and beauty. Christina has done solo exhibits, including at Lost Origins Gallery in Washington, D.C., and has completed commissions for businesses and organizations, including the Global Fund for Ending Modern Slavery for presentation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and The Aruna Project, a business employing survivors of human trafficking. She’s also dedicated to mobilizing the younger generation with exhibits and talks at universities including Cornell University. Outside of art, Christina is committed to ending the cycles of modern slavery in the corporate world through responsible business practices and economic empowerment for survivors.
About ShowUp
ShowUp is a Boston-based contemporary art gallery and education space focused on featuring underrepresented visions and voices. Focused on sustainability practices, ethics, and the power of representation, ShowUp works to nurture the careers of high-potential, talented curators and artists through thoughtful support, an innovative environment, and unique opportunities.
Its mission is to
CONNECT artists to local communities and beyond
AMPLIFY artists and their voices
PROVIDE artists tools for self-sufficiency
EMPOWER artists and curators to experiment, learn, and have meaningful exchanges
Learn more on ShowUp’s website and Instagram.
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