The discovery of gold in California drew unprecedented numbers of Chinese immigrants. By 1865 about 50,000 Chinese had come to "Golden Mountain" to try their luck. But the winds of fortune often blew in unexpected directions. The majority of the Transcontinental Railroad's east-bound track was built by Chinese. To conquer the treacherous terrain, workers were often suspended from the top of cliffs to plant explosives. It was from this dangerous task that the phrase "A Chinaman's Chance in Hell" was coined. Later shorten to "Chinaman's Chance", the phrase unfortunately defined many immigrants' experiences.
While the experience of being of Chinese heritage and living in America is unique to each individual, Chinaman's Chance will investigate the similarities and dissimilarities of these experiences. In addition, the exhibition will explore the vast changes in laws and social mores as they pertain to Chinese Americans. For example, Chinese immigrants in 1860 could not become U.S. citizens, vote, own property, or even testify in court.
The three artists in the exhibition will transform Pacific Asia Museum's two exhibition spaces into two seamless installations that can be viewed as a whole, or as individual pieces. While these three artists have different life experiences and views on the Chinese American experience, together they will present a unified perspective of the Chinese in America from 1860 to 2008. The experience of the viewers will be simultaneously cerebral and physical, historical and contemporary, foreign and universal. The artists will also be incorporating Pacific Asia Museum collections into their work, and all draw their inspiration from the history encompassed in the museum's exhibitions.
The museum will present a wide range of public events in conjunction with the exhibition, including a curator tour with Chip Tom at 1 p.m. April 26. The opening party will be from 6 to 9 pm Thursday, March 13, 2008. This event is free for members and a guest, and $10 for non-members. During the opening, Pacific Asia Museum will premiere a 30- minute short film "Chinese Ghost Story", a documentary by Dan Boord and Luis Valdovino. Come meet the curator, the artists and enjoy an evening of food, drinks and music by DJ Tony. -- www.pacificasiamuseum.org
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