Portland artist Horatio Hung-Yan Law was born in Hong Kong and grew up in New York. Some of his work has included sculptures covered by innumerable grains of rice, jellybeans, lifesavers or m&m's. His art is idea filled, often dealing with the Chinese-American experience. As the West was developed with the first railroads, Chinese laborers were imported to do the work. Separated from their families, subject to harsh discrimination and worse, they transformed the West. What would have happened if they had arrived with families and had been fully accepted into American culture? Perhaps they would be a more significant part of Portland (as SF today and Vancouver). Perhaps today they would be filling our parks with tai chi play. As part of the South Waterfront artist in residence program, Law is offering free tai chi classes each Wednesday: May 14th, 10AM-noon; May 21st, 6PM-8; May 28th, 6PM-8. On April 31 he will stage a tai chi performance of 1000 individuals. Interestingly tai chi was developed for monks to defend themselves. It is the ultimate self defense, never attacking and using the attacker's force against them. It also works with the energy upon which Chinese physiology and acupuncture are based. How about a tai chi foreign policy? Something to think about.
To sign-up for the free classes, contact Horatio - horatiolaw@gmail.com. Big performance April 31, watch here for the time.
