Two 10’x10’ murals produced by artist Louie Gong after community input; installed at two Chinatown-International District locations
SEATTLE, November 14, 2024 (Ecnetnews.com)
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The Wing Luke Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation announced the unveiling of two Bruce Lee murals created by artist Louie Gong. The murals, installed at the Rex Apartments and the New Central Building, both in the Chinatown-International District (C-ID), will be unveiled in time for Bruce Lee’s birthday, Nov. 27.
Gong, a member of the Nooksack Indian Tribe, is an award-winning visual artist, activist, public speaker, and educator. He is the founder of Eighth Generation. His work highlights Indigenous and multiracial identity, which is visually reflected in the two murals. This past summer, he engaged the C-ID community to provide input on the mural design. That input was used in concepting and final designs.
“I am honored to work on this project, and to have had the opportunity to engage with C-ID community members in the process,” Gong said. “When conceiving and creating these pieces, my goal was to imbue them with Bruce Lee’s teachings, rather than literally presenting his face, body or written words. This means the pieces are brimming with powerful symbolism around identity and interculturality.”
They are designed to spur community intercultural engagement, promote connections with Bruce Lee’s legacy, draw interest in the Chinatown-International District and celebrate its treasured status. Both murals thoughtfully blend Coast Salish art and Bruce Lee iconography to reflect powerful intercultural connection.
The murals, The Journey Begins Here and One with Water, were commissioned by Hope Corps: the Downtown Seattle Mural Project, and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with the Wing Luke Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation. Gong created 5’ x 5’ originals on wood, and reproduced them onto 10’ x 10’ aluminum plates, which will be coated and affixed to the buildings.
“The Bruce Lee Foundation is thrilled to work with amazing artist Louie Gong on this collaboration with the Wing Luke Museum and the C-ID community,” said Shannon Lee, CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation. “Louie’s artistry and depth make these stunning pieces a perfect reflection of my father’s legacy and impact – striking and filled with many layers of thought-provoking detail and nourishing energy. We are extremely grateful to the Wing for its support and enthusiasm for this project. We hope it is enriching to the neighborhood and brings good energy, beauty, contemplation, and celebration to all who pass by.”
The Journey Begins Here will be installed on the New Central Building, 657 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104, and pays tribute to Bruce Lee’s Seattle roots and philosophy toward personal development. A highlight of the art features Bruce Lee’s iconic hair as a portal, similar to the iconic gates to the C-ID, which frames a Coast Salish Dragon.
One with Water will be installed at the Rex Apartments, 655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, and presents a dragon imbued with both Asian and Coast Salish design concepts. Gong’s interpretation of the dragon, in its cultural ambiguity, embodies what Bruce Lee called “Natural Unnaturalness.” The dragon is sipping water, symbolizing a completed journey and rest.
NOTE: The Museum will host a press preview of the original artwork on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interested media should contact Steve McLean at smclean@wingluke.org or by calling 206-935-6566.
About The Wing Luke Museum
The Wing Luke Museum’s mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, National Park Service Affiliated Area, and the only pan-Asian American museum in the nation, The Wing Luke Museum is a national treasure, preserving and sharing the personal stories of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. In 2025, the Museum will celebrate the 100th birthday of Wing Chong Luke, our namesake and Washington state’s first Asian American to hold elected office. To learn more about the Museum, visit www.wingluke.org.
Source: Wing Luke Museum
