Mural at CAMOC
In June 2022, I painted a mural on the west wall of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, featuring a vivid depiction of Chinese Opera. The mural showcases three prominent figures:
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who was born from a stone and gained supernatural powers through Taoist practices. He stands on the left, embodying both strength and wisdom.
Mu Guiying, a legendary heroine from the Northern Song Dynasty, positioned in the center. Renowned for her role in the Generals of the Yang Family legends, she represents courage and leadership.
Guan Gong, a revered military general who served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, is featured on the right. His image symbolizes loyalty and honor.
Each figure contributes to a rich tapestry of Chinese cultural heritage, celebrating their unique stories and enduring legacies.
I have a deep familiarity with Chinese opera, rooted in my early experiences and family history. My father, once a rising star as a composer and band leader in Hong Kong, saw his career come to an abrupt halt when our family immigrated to the United States. As a child, I frequently accompanied him to rehearsals and live performances, immersing myself in the vibrant world of opera. These formative experiences have greatly influenced my work and provided invaluable references for the mural I created.
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is situated in the heart of Chinatown, a lively neighborhood brimming with the vibrant sounds, colors, and essence of Chinese culture. The area is known for its charming family-owned cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Interestingly, the grammar school I attended is just across the street from the museum. During the 39 days I spent working on the mural, I was deeply immersed once again in the neighborhood that holds such a special place in my heart.
From the outset, I recognized the significance of this project. Returning to Chicago’s Chinatown, where I spent my formative years, felt deeply meaningful. This neighborhood, rich with familiar rhythms of daily life, holds a time of my childhood memories, both joyful and challenging. Despite the passage of time, my connections to the community remain strong through enduring friendships. My goal is to gain the support of the local residents, demonstrating that the mural is not only a work of beauty but also a beacon of cultural pride and awareness. This is my mission: to celebrate and uplift our shared heritage through this artwork.
Two weeks before the deadline, I received a call from Vi Nguyen, an investigative reporter from NBC Chicago. She was interested in featuring the mural and its story. On Wednesday, June 15th, we conducted the interview, which was broadcast that same evening during both the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. news segments.
Ribbon cutting with the donors, benefactors and state representative Theresa Mah. This finalized the transferring of the mural to the neighborhood.
