Chinese Garden Exhibit Blooms at City Hall
Now through March 2025, the community is invited to see the new temporary installation by artist Caroline Liu. Liu recreates The Chinese Garden in the Mimbres Valley and emphasizes the importance of remembering the forgotten chapters of New Mexico history. The installation is on view in the Art Vault at Gallery One in City Hall.
In the heart of the Mimbres Valley in the late 1800s, lived the Wah family who ran an established garden full of flowers, vegetables, and fruits that was called an “Oasis in the Desert.” This family provided much of the food for the neighboring towns and was considered a destination retreat for tourists to visit.
It was common during this time to witness and experience racism against Chinese Americans. This time period was called ‘The Yellow Peril,’ where many Anglo-Americans viewed the Chinese population as a threat to their livelihoods and demanded their exile back to China which resulted in the Chinese Exclusion Act of May 1882. The Chinese community endured anti-Chinese violence, forced segregation, and less access to lawful protection. The act remained in effect for 61 years until it was finally repealed in December 17, 1943, when Chinese people were legally allowed to enter the US and engage in civic activities.
“This installation takes inspiration from the Wah family’s garden to shine light on a Chinese family that persevered to create something beautiful for their family, their culture, and their community,” said Liu. “The Wah family, along with many other Chinese families, laid the foundation for the thriving Chinese communities that flourish in New Mexico today.”
Visitors are invited to look through news articles and documents posted on the trailhead board to uncover the code to open the door to a vibrant, imaginative garden protected with Menshen, traditional Chinese Deities that protect inhabitants from any harm and encourages positive spirits to enter.
“Having a first-rate art gallery at City Hall with easy and free access is real asset to Albuquerque families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The art vault inside the gallery is a true hidden gem, the old City Treasury safe transformed into a creative, thought-provoking space folks can enter and be emersed in.”
“What Caroline has done is exactly what the space is for – she has made something that is fun, peaceful, and beautiful, from a very dark period in this country’s history,” said project manager Madrone Matishak. “We are thrilled to open this work to the public.”
Liu’s installation will be on view in the Art Vault through March 2025. Gallery One hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW.