Chen Lok Lee
Artist
Educator
Immigrant
When I first came to America, I brought images in my head with me. I developed skills in a western art form — printmaking. My ideas (images from the East) manifest in a western art form which I feel helps to create an international bridge between the two cultures. Today, I once again work in Chinese painting and calligraphy as well as printmaking. Chinese see my work as western; westerners see my work as Chinese. As for me, I wish to use an international language.” – Chen Lok Lee
Dedicated to preserving the legacy and works of pioneer Asian American artist and educator Chen Lok Lee (1927-2020). Managed by daughter Romana Lee.
My father was a remarkable person
On December 13, 2020, I lost my father Chen Lok Lee, pioneering Asian American artist, to COVID-19. I am on a journey to honor his life story, works of art and contributions to the international conversations of art and democracy.Follow the story here in real time as I document and archive his impact on the world.
I am partnering with art institutions, art enthusiasts and historians, community-based organizations and other supporters to bring his story to life. This includes organizing, cataloging, digitizing and archiving his work, and ultimately sharing his most iconic pieces for the general public to enjoy and benefit from.
The third exhibit of the work of Chen Lok Lee just closed at Friends Select School in Center City, Philadelphia. For updates on future, current and past exhibits, and how to view the collection, follow this link.
The first posthumous exhibit of Chen Lok Lee’s work opened at the Crane Community Center in Philadelphia on September 17, 2021 | More Info | and has been followed by exhibits at UPenn and other venues. For updates on future, current and past exhibits, and how to view the collection, follow this link.
To get involved or support my journey, follow the story here or write to me at:
chenlokleeartist
@gmail.com
Recent Blog Entries
Teaching: old ways and new
As I prepare to teach in-person art classes for the first time in over…
Will We Ever Know What Happened in Hong Kong?
This watercolor is one of my favorite finds in my father’s collection of works. My…
Building it One Layer At a Time
Purple, red, yellow and blue. That’s the order of the colors used to print this…
Selfies were a thing of the past, too
The original selfie took so much more care and time than our selfies of today….
The Old Becomes New Again
Chen Lok Lee, Chinese brush painting. Before and After. Yesterday, we did “surgery” on a…
Hidden gems tell a story from Italy
Chen Lok Lee, Untitled, Watercolor, 1968. When I first found this set of 15 watercolors…
When the weather is beautiful, Philadelphians make it to the Schuylkill River
On days like this, Philadelphia athletes and health lovers flock to exercise along the Schuylkill…
How Do You Make Your Mark?
I took some time off this weekend to rest and restore after a really busy…
Big Blessings For Years To Come
Image: Photo of Chen Lok Lee’s watercolor in the home of a patron in Philadelphia,…
Asian/Pacific Americans Make Our History Rich
Image: Different versions of Chen Lok Lee’s signature chop mark. He used this scrap paper…
What’s On the Other Side of Grief, Trauma and Loss?
In times of deep sadness and distress, it can be hard to find moments of…
Chen Lok Lee’s Footprint in New Mexico
IMAGE: Chen Lok Lee on his drive out to Albuquerque, New Mexico. This may have…