I created Tiger & Plant series and Botanical Fish series last year to celebrate the year of Tiger and the cities I lived and loved. I am excited to combine the two series into this 4’ x 4’ Mural Fu Tiger & Their Friends for the Graceland Project as part of the Uptown Art Week!
I moved to Uptown Chicago a year ago and have since fallen in love with this vibrant, diverse, and welcoming neighborhood! I am very proud to call Uptown my home and extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute and connect.
Make Friends & Celebrate Diversity
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Design of Fu Tiger and Their Friends
Fu Tiger and Their Friends
Chinese character 福 pronounce as Fu, probably one of the most beloved characters. People like to put a 福 character on their door during Spring Festival for good luck and blessing. Because 蝠, as in 蝙蝠, meaning bat, shares a similar pronunciation, the bat has been seen as a symbol of luck and blessing, widely used in folk art all around China.
That is why I included a bat, inspired by traditional Chinese bat patterns, on the back of the tiger to share joy and bliss. As for the style of the tiger, it was influenced by traditional Chines woodblock print with a modern twist.
The botanical fishes floating around the tiger symbolize the cities that have shaped and impacted my life. The one on the left is Butterfly + Lotus, representing Beijing, where I was born and raised. the one on the right is Ryukin + Dogwood, representing Atlanta, where I have lived for the past 7 years.
And now we are in Chicago! Ready to make some new friends and go on new adventures.
Installed on the east facing wall of the historical Graceland Cemetery
Graceland Project is a public art project.
It is free to all and can be accessed via W Buena Ave at all times. It is also a dog-friendly area.
Please see the map below for reference.
Uptown Art Week
The 3rd Annual Uptown Art Week will feature over 150 pieces of public art including more than 50 new works painted live around the neighborhood, art exhibits being hosted by local businesses, and interactive art activities for all ages.
GRACELAND WALLS – June 4-5 | all day
Over fifty artists will paint 4’x4′ panels live during Uptown Art Week on the sidewalk of North Broadway between Leland and Sunnyside Avenues.
From June 6th – June 11th, these panels will be relocated to Graceland Cemetery and installed on the east-facing wall.
Ribbon Cutting/Unveiling - June 12
This will culminate in a ribbon cutting/unveiling during PorchFest in Buena Park on Sunday, June 12th.
PorchFest in Buena Park is a neighborhood music festival featuring 21 musical acts performing across 12 front porches and gardens throughout Buena Park on the afternoon of Sunday, June 12 from 12 PM – 5 PM.