
Who Is Michael Jang? Through the Lens of the Artist
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Michael Jang is a celebrated San Francisco photographer and street artist whose work captures the essence of the city’s history, culture and identity. From his early career photographing celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Robin Williams to his street art installations during the pandemic, Jang’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia and modern artistic expression has cemented his place as a vital voice in contemporary art.
For decades, Jang kept a hidden archive of photographs taken in his 20s—intimate and candid images of his family life alongside candid shots of celebrities. His work offers a vivid and eclectic portrait of American culture, spanning 1970s Hollywood, the San Francisco punk scene, and the lives of his first-generation Asian American family. In 2021, Jang took to the streets, wheat-pasting images from his The Jang's series onto boarded-up storefronts in San Francisco’s Chinatown as well as in the inner-Richmond. What began as a pandemic-influenced act of expression evolved into an ongoing experiment in street art, where Jang layered his photography with new designs and text, embracing the fluid, ever-changing nature of street art culture.
Now, his story is being told in Who Is Michael Jang?, a documentary that traces his journey from commercial photographer to guerrilla artist. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Jacobs, the film explores Jang’s evolution as an artist and his deep connection to San Francisco’s visual landscape. Watch the trailer here.
Join us for a special evening featuring a screening of Who Is Michael Jang?, a discussion, and a reception with wine, beer and light bites. After the film, Jang will take the stage for a conversation and Q&A, offering firsthand insights into his work, inspirations and the unexpected path that led him to this moment.
There will be a limited number of prints available after the program. which Jang will be signing. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable evening of art, film and conversation!
This program is in-person only. If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming.
Speaker photos courtesy the speakers; photos in main image by Michael Jang, used with permission.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs.
All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Mike Jacobs
Director

Michael Jang
Artist

Trevor Higgins
Commonwealth Club World Affairs—Moderator
4:45 p.m. doors open & check-in
5:30–6:15 p.m. film screening
6:15–6:45 p.m. Q&A
6:45–7:30 p.m. reception and signing
(all times Pacific Time)
COST
Members receive 30–50 percent discounts (not a member? Join)
In person:
$25