Land of Gold Mountain. Chinese American Museum of Chicago. 

Rooted in personal memory and cultural reflection, The Land of Gold Mountain explores the enduring legacy of the first wave of Chinese immigrants who arrived in the United States in the late 1800s in search of a better life. Driven by famine, poverty, and political turmoil in China, they journeyed to America with hope and determination to seek opportunity, stability, and a brighter future for the generations to come.

The allure of America, known to early Chinese immigrants as 'Gold Mountain', was soon shattered by harsh realities of discrimination, exploitation, and violence. Through this work, the artist confronts that complex history, weaving it into a broader narrative. What unfolds is a powerful cultural reflection of the Chinese diaspora, shaped by perseverance, resilience, and a deep, enduring legacy of love, sacrifice, and longing.

About the artist:
Rich Lo is a particularly special artist for Chicago’s Chinatown. A passionate advocate of the neighborhood and its place in American history, his work often reflects themes of cultural heritage and personal history, particularly influenced by his experiences growing up in Chicago's Chinatown and his father's background in Chinese opera. His Chinese Opera mural, one of the few murals in Chinatown by a Chinese American artist, graces the museum’s west wall.

Lo was born in Canton, China, where he, along with his six siblings, discovered a passion for drawing and painting. At age seven, he and his family emigrated from Hong Kong to the United States, finally settling in Chicago's vibrant Chinatown. Lo's artistic journey began in illustration, and balances his prolific commercial projects with fine art and public installations.

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