Mural at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago

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.

My deep connection to Chinese opera is rooted in early experiences and a rich family history. My father, once a rising composer and bandleader in Hong Kong, saw his career abruptly interrupted when our family immigrated to the United States. As a child, I often accompanied him to rehearsals and performances, absorbing the rhythms, colors, and drama of the stage. These formative experiences left a lasting impression and continue to inform my creative work—most notably in the mural I created, which draws deeply from this heritage.

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago sits in the heart of Chinatown—a vibrant neighborhood alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Chinese culture. Lined with family-run cafés, restaurants, and gift shops, the area pulses with a warmth and familiarity that feels like home. Just across the street from the museum is the grammar school I once attended, adding a deeply personal layer to my experience. Over the 39 days I spent creating the mural, I found myself immersed once again in the neighborhood that helped shape me—reconnecting with its rhythms, its people, and its enduring significance in my life.

From the very beginning, I understood the profound significance of this project. Returning to Chicago’s Chinatown—where I spent my formative years—was more than a homecoming; it was a deeply personal journey. The neighborhood holds childhood memories, both joyful and complex. Though time has passed, my ties to the community remain strong, sustained by lasting friendships and shared history. With this mural, my intention is not only to create something visually compelling, but to earn the trust and support of local residents by offering a work that reflects their stories. 

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.