Please note that WAHC will be closed all day on Friday, November 8th as we prepare for the Sam Lawrence Dinner.

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Marlene Yuen: After Gold Mountain

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May 12, 2017 - August 19, 2017

Join us for our Spring/Summer exhibition After Gold Mountain: Selected Stories of Chinese Labourers in Canada by Vancouver-based printmaker and book artist, Marlene Yuen.

The first Chinese labourers arrived in Canada in 1788. In 1858, gold was discovered in the Fraser Canyon, British Columbia and many Chinese from southern China arrived in hopes of striking it rich, finding gold and starting a new life on “Gold Mountain,” their name for Canada.

From 1881-1885, Chinese rail workers endured appalling, dangerous work conditions and nearly 1000 men perished during the construction of the CPR. Life for Chinese workers after the railroad was characterized by hard work, and frequent discrimination. In After Gold Mountain, stories are told through a series of comic panels and screenprinted accordion books. These powerful, personal and informative stories recount working conditions on the railroad, and in fish canneries, laundromats, restaurants and fruit markets from British Columbia to Ontario. While early Chinese labourers in Canada were predominately male, this exhibit also shares how women and children played a role in the landscape of work and overcame the hardships of racism.

Please join us for the public opening reception of After Gold Mountain on Friday, May 12th from 7-10 pm. Marlene Yuen will be in attendance.

Marlene Yuen: After Gold Mountain will be accompanied by a Spring/Summer program that will include an exhibition walkthrough with the artist in English with interpreration in Mandarin, a Zine Making with Print workshop led by Marlene Yuen presented in partnership with Centre [3] for Print and Media Art and our June PA Day camp, Working Kids’ Blues. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.

About Marlene Yuen:

Marlene Yuen is a Vancouver-based artist who received her Bachelor’s in Studio Art in 1998 from the University of British Columbia. Marlene has exhibited at galleries, artist-run centres, and cultural events in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Japan. Although she is a multidisciplinary artist, her current focus is on handmade books and all things letterpress. She is a member of the Canadian Bookbinders Book Artist Guild, the Alcuin Society and Ladies of Letterpress.

The artist wishes to acknowledge the support of the British Columbia Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts  and CUPE Local 15 for their support of this exhibition. WAHC acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, its members, volunteers, operating funders and union supporters for their support of After Gold Mountain.