Chinaman’s Chance: Views of the Chinese American Experience
March 6 – July 27, 2008
Three contemporary artists – Zhi Lin, Arthur Ou, and Amanda Ross-Ho – have created new multi-media installations especially for this
exhibition, which examines the diversity of the Chinese American experience over the last 150 years.
The phrase “a Chinaman’s chance in Hell” derives from the experience of Chinese immigrant workers who played a crucial role in the building of the first Transcontinental Railroad in the 19th century. They were assigned the dangerous work of planting loads of dynamite to blast passages through the mountains so track could be laid. Many of them were killed.
While Chinaman’s Chance is not meant to be an historic show about the building of the railroad, the exhibition uses this important period as a starting point to investigate the issues of assimilation, identity, and the concept of being American.
Zhi Lin, born and educated in China, has lived in America since 1989. In response to his fear that America is witnessing a growing anti-immigration movement as well as a resurgent Sinophobia, Zhi’s five large-scale works focus on the plight of the Chinese railroad workers. It is his hope that viewers will analyze the current social-political landscape and prevent history from repeating itself.
Arthur Ou, born in Taiwan in 1974, has lived in America since 1985. He explores the past and present, Eastern and Western culture, and art and architecture. Included in the exhibit are Ou’s three series: Untitled (Cased Mountains), Untitled (Screen Tests), and Untitled (Mirror Lakes).
Amanda Ross-Ho was born and raised in Chicago. In her installation, Ross-Ho “curates,” contextualizes, and presents the artworks of her father, Ruyell Ho. Of mixed race heritage, Ross-Ho presents a different and less traditional Chinese American experience. Her connection with her Chinese heritage is once-removed, accessed by navigating her father’s experience.
While each of these artists has had unique experiences, together they present a cohesive perspective of the Chinese in America.
Exhibition sponsored by the Pasadena Art Alliance.
Chip Tom, Guest Curator
Related Programs:
Lecture
Sunday, February 17, 5:30pm
USC Pacific Asia Museum is pleased to welcome Principal Edward Tom, who sacrificed a lucrative business career to lead a small high school in New York City’s notorious South Bronx. Join Principal Tom as he reveals his inspirational life story, and discusses how today’s Asian American community can significantly impact the field of education. We will also screen a few short clips from Whatever It Takes, the exciting new documentary of Tom’s first year as principal. Reception to follow. This is a free event.
Writing Workshop
Sunday, March 9, 10am-5pm
Join author, editor, and award-winning documentary filmmaker Loren Stephens for her popular “Writing Your Life Story” workshop. Limited to a small group, this day-long program includes reading excerpts from popular memoirs, short writing exercises, and immediate feedback to get even first-time writers well on their way to becoming memoirists. $75 per person.
Opening Party
Thursday, March 13, 6-9pm
Free for members and a guest. $10 for non-members. Food, drinks and music by DJ Tony.
Film Premiere
Thursday, March 13, 7pm
Chinese Ghost Story by Dan Boord and Luis Valdovino (2008, 25 minutes) It is estimated that over 1,300 Chinese laborers perished during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. While the remains of many were eventually shipped home, others lie in unmarked graves throughout the American West. Chinese Ghost Story is a poetic essay in which history and landscape intersect in ghost towns, parks and undisturbed railroad grade. The filmmakers will introduce the film and answer questions. Part of the Chinaman’s Chance opening party’s activities.
Artist’ Tour
Saturday, March 15, 1pm
Join Amanda Ross-Ho, Arthur Ou, and Zhi Lin in exploring Chinaman’s Chance: Views of the Chinese American Experience.
The East West Players’ Theatre presents Dawn’s Light: The Story of Gordon HIrabayashi.
Thursday, March 20, 10 and 11am
This 45-minute performance was written by actress/playwright Jeanne Sakata. Based on a true story, the audience journeys with Gordon Hirabayashi from his college days in the 1940’s as he fights to defend his constitutional beliefs. Dawn’s Light is suitable for 7th grade to adult. Free with admission.
Curator’s Tour
Saturday, April 26, 1pm
Explore Chinaman’s Chance with guest curator Chip Tom. Free with admission.