City of Los Angeles, Museum Sued by Artist Over Trashed Works

Los Angeles and the Chinese American Museum allegedly destroyed artist David Lew’s works from an exhibition showcasing Asian Americans’ art without his knowledge or permission, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in a California federal court.

Lew—who’s also known as Shark Toof—created the works for the museum’s exhibition “Don’t Believe the Hype: LA Asian Americans in Hip Hop.” The museum is located in the city’s El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and Lew says El Pueblo managed the exhibition and his works hung in its courtyard.

Lew made 88 pieces—given the importance of the number eight in Chinese culture—in tote bags ...