Richard Lo Translates Community Landmarks into Public Mural Art

The latest in its series of public art initiatives, the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) presents “Waves of DuPage: Beautiful Cities Public Art Project.” The project encompasses more than 30 site-specific, large-scale, vinyl murals created in the ukiyo-e style by artist Richard Lo, each depicting an iconic landmark in the participating DuPage County community. Sponsored by the College of DuPage and the National Endowment for the Arts, the initiative is part of the “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” exhibition, presented by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the MAC May 31 – Sept. 21. Smaller-scale original print versions of Lo’s artwork will be included in the exhibition.

Accomplished visual artist, published author and Naperville resident Richard Lo has been commissioned to create ukiyo-e style artwork for “Waves of DuPage.” Lo is known for his imaginative and exploratory approach to art and specializes in ukiyo-e art, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th – 19th centuries as intricate woodblock prints and paintings that depicted landscapes, folktales and Kabuki actors. His work can be seen across the city of Chicago, on packaging for national brands, and as large-scale installations in public buildings across the country.

“As someone deeply inspired by ukiyo-e art—a traditional Japanese style known for its detailed line work and vibrant depictions of everyday life and nature—I’m thrilled to bring this timeless aesthetic to life for the DuPage community,” says Lo. “I am so grateful to have received this commission and look forward to collaborating with the communities across DuPage County to help support this incredible exhibition.”

Each of the participating communities has selected at least one iconic location, building or landmark to be transformed by Lo into a ukiyo-e style mural. The vinyl murals will be displayed in highly visible locations in each community this summer. With nearly three dozen murals to be displayed, the “Waves of DuPage” public art project will be a unique way to highlight each village or town, attract visitors to the community, celebrate the arts and instill civic pride.

To date, 18 community partners throughout DuPage are participating in the public art project, including the municipalities of Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hanover Park, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield and Woodridge as well as the Morton Arboretum and the Glen Ellyn Public Library. Mandy Rakow, MAC’s Education & Community Engagement Coordinator shared, “these large-scale ukiyo-e murals will offer a fresh and dynamic way for our community to engage with traditional Japanese art while also highlighting the beauty of our local surroundings.”

“We’re excited to bring the ‘Waves of Japan: Beautiful Cities Public Art Project’ to life as a celebration of DuPage County’s rich culture and iconic landmarks, in an effort to expand the impact of the Hokusai exhibition and public art throughout the county” said MAC Director Diana Martinez. Original prints of the public art project murals will be highlighted in the “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e" exhibition this summer. The MAC gift shop will offer a “Beautiful Cities” book that showcases all renderings for the public art project.

Installation dates and exact locations for the murals within each community will be announced in May. To stay up-to-date for “Waves of DuPage,” visit TheCCMA.org/Waves-of-DuPage.

"Waves of DuPage" is just one way surrounding communities are embracing the Hokusai exhibition. Local businesses, restaurants, libraries, art galleries and more will infuse Hokusai’s culture into special events, programming, public art, offerings and more to celebrate this summer’s Hokusai exhibition. Community events include woodblock printing workshops and origami classes, topic lectures, restaurant menu items and more. Stay up to date on community programming at TheCCMA.org/Hokusai-events.

Born in Canton, China, Lo was always drawing and painting with his six siblings. Today he is known as an American visual artist and author. An accomplished illustrator and fine artist, his work can be found on packaging and creative ads for national brands, and on large installations in public buildings. Lo recently completed a mural at the DuPage Children’s Museum and has a recognizable mural near the Chinese American Museum in the China Town neighborhood, among several others.

Lo is also a published children’s book author, receiving an ALA Asian Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book. His first picture book, “Father’s Chinese Opera” about his relationship with his opera composer father, was published by Sky Pony Press (2014) and received an ALA Asian Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book.

Lo’s author-illustrator credits include “New Year,” published by Sky Pony Press (2016). Book illustrator credits include the award-winning “Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service” (2016); and “Dim Sum—A Mandarin English Counting Book.” For more information about Lo, visit greatsketch.com.