New murals to honor Bruce Lee will go up in Seattle
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Two new murals going up in the Chinatown-International District will pay homage to martial artist and film star Bruce Lee, who spent some of his formative years in Seattle.
Why it matters: The new public artworks will serve as a visual reminder of Lee's legacy and the role Seattle played in shaping it.
Zoom in: Artist Louie Gong and Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, gave reporters a preview Tuesday of what the finished murals will look like, presenting two painted models that are being reproduced on aluminum plates.
- The completed artworks, each of which will measure 10 feet by 10 feet, will be installed in the next week at 657 S. Weller Street and 655 S. King Street, per a news release.
What they're saying: In a written statement, Gong said that his goal was to imbue the pieces "with Bruce Lee's teachings, rather than literally presenting his face, body or written words."
- The pieces combine Coast Salish and Asian elements, while also incorporating Seattle landmarks, such as Mount Rainier and the sign for restaurant Tai Tung, where Lee ate frequently.
Catch up quick: Lee, who lived in Seattle from 1959 to 1964, went to the University of Washington and taught martial arts classes locally.
- The action star, who died in 1973 at the age of 32, is buried in Seattle's Lakeview Cemetery along with his son, Brandon Lee, who died while filming "The Crow" in 1993.
- The murals were commissioned by Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Wing Luke Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation, which Shannon Lee co-founded.
- "We hope it is enriching to the neighborhood and brings good energy, beauty, contemplation and celebration to all who pass by," Shannon Lee said, per the museum's news release.
