Artist Caroline Liu has created a temporary installation called “Art Vault.”
The exhibit 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 through March 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 The act remained in effect for 61 years until it was finally repealed on Dec. 17, 1943, when Chinese people were legally allowed to enter the United States and engage in civic activities.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 encourage positive spirits to enter.
Gallery One hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW.