On March 31, the third annual Creative Art Mural at the Chinatown Information Kiosk was officially unveiled. The Chinatown Business Improvement District (BID) and artist Eunice Chen shared the creative concept behind this new piece. This year’s theme combined the Year of the Snake with Chinese mythological backgrounds and integrated the historical background of Chinatown. Ultimately, a piece inspired by one of China’s Four Great Folk Love Legends, “The Legend of the White Snake,” stood out as the centerpiece of this year’s artwork.
The creator of the mural, elementary school teacher Eunice Chen, explained, “I chose this well-known story because the characters are all full of love. From the lotus flower floating in the girl’s hand in the painting, one can see the magic being revealed. Behind them is Chinatown, with lanterns symbolizing the hopes of our previous generation, our generation, and the generations to come. It represents our love and expectations for Chinatown.”
Although Eunice Chen was born in the United States, she grew up in Taiwan before returning to the U.S. The comfort of Taiwan and the diversity of New York inspired her artwork, and this piece took only a week from conception to completion. She used digital drawing techniques, creating the work on a computer tablet using Photoshop, showcasing the fusion of modern technology and traditional culture.
Regarding the lotus flower element in the artwork, Eunice Chen explained, “When people see lotus flowers, they typically associate them with Asian culture. Lotuses symbolize purity, blossoming from mud or muck, representing the ability to maintain one’s original intentions and stay true to oneself even in adversity. Through the lotus flower, I aim to depict the pure and flawless emotions between the characters in the painting.”
Chinatown BID Executive Director, Zuo Zhou Chen, expressed, “This is the perfect scene with love as the theme, and Chinese elements such as lotus flowers symbolize the resilience of Chinatown. Additionally, the bright style of this artwork brings a refreshing perspective to viewers.”
On that day, Eunice Chen’s husband and son came to show their support. As a teacher, Eunice Chen discussed how having a son inspired her to pursue her dream of art. She said, “I love him very much, and I only want him to be happy and healthy and to pursue any profession he desires. When I had this thought, I suddenly wondered why I hadn’t granted myself the same permission all these years. I have always loved art, so I want to give myself a chance, at least to see if I can become an artist in the animation industry.”
So, she worked hard to complete a portfolio and eventually succeeded. “So, I want to tell my son that as long as you work hard, you can achieve your dreams.”
Currently, she is working on a short animation called “Sugar,” hoping to continue spreading Asian culture through her work.
Zuo Zhou Chen mentioned that this artwork holds symbolic significance for Chinatown’s culture. Visitors can understand the inheritance of traditional Chinese culture and tradition in Chinatown through elements such as tea, wine, and festive lanterns that have been beloved by Chinese people for centuries, allowing visitors to experience these elements firsthand in this historically rich community. These elements that have been passed down for thousands of years will continue to be inherited and developed in Chinatown, ensuring their perpetual existence.
On that day, passersby were curious about the artwork and its story, and many took photos to cherish the moment.