This year's Joseph Levenson Book Prize goes to the 2021 work making "the greatest contribution to increasing understanding of the history, culture, society, politics, or economy of China."
Hung Yi: Dragon Fortune
The Asian Art Museum presents Dragon Fortune, a hulking, psychedelic dragon painted in every color of the rainbow, from its fiery horns down to its checkered purple sneakers by Taiwanese artist Hung Yi. (December 12, 2016 - Ongoing)
Where

If you’ve visited the museum recently, it’s unlikely you missed the playful creature standing sentry at our steps: a hulking, psychedelic dragon painted in every color of the rainbow, from its fiery horns down to its checkered purple sneakers. Taiwanese artist Hung Yi’s Dragon Fortune meshes together Taiwanese folk art, Japanese textile design, pop art and children’s cartoons, breathing vibrant colors and auspicious blessings right onto our doorstep.
You might recognize Dragon Fortune from Hung’s whimsical menagerie, Fancy Animal Carnival, on view in Civic Center Plaza in the spring of 2015 — that’s when director Jay Xu fell in love with it. Grateful for the donation from Taipei’s InSian Gallery, Xu is delighted by the dragon selfies proliferating across social media. He says, “Our building is historical and beautiful, but it’s a little serious. The dragon offers a joyful, lighthearted counterbalance. It makes people smile.”
Inscribed on the body are abundant Chinese expressions of good fortune, such as, “Every day brings buckets of gold.” (We’ll take it!) The dragon’s shape is fish-like, evoking Chinese folklore about carp transforming into dragons. “I believe that art can create the power and energy of happiness,” says Hung.
Bask in the positive vibes; snap a photo and join the legions who have paused for a magical moment with our #HappyDragon.
Featured Articles
Wherever you may be, we wish you and those close to you the very best Year of the Rabbit.
Events
Join us for a discussion with Mike Chinoy on his new book that expands on USCI's Assignment: China series.
Join us for Aynne Kokas's discussion of the global battle for control over and use of the personal and institutional data we create every day.