Provenance Acquired by American Legacy Fine Arts directly from the artist
Artist Statement
“This painting embodies the passage of time, transformation, and the contrast between what we carry forward and what we leave behind. It began during a vibrant Chinatown event in 2001, capturing a moment of youth, artistic camaraderie, and the lively energy of Hop Louie—where rickshaw rides, street dancing, and legendary gatherings shaped lasting memories.
As I revisited this work in preparation for the exhibition, ‘Plein Air Perspectives of Los Angeles’ the loss of Hop Louie and the evolving cityscape deepened its meaning. Recent fires, change, and the relentless rise of DTLA amplified its original contrasts. To reflect this, I reworked the painting, leaving only two untouched sections. This process—often a risky endeavor for an artist—surprisingly solidified the piece, fulfilling the vision I had set two decades ago.
The golden-straw hats and dancing shadows remain, anchoring my past self. The turquoise garage gate now emphasizes the lanterns leading forward, while the deep Chinese red of the dragon gates marks my journey from past to present. The pagoda, once a steadfast guardian, now stands emptied of its original purpose, a stark reminder of time’s passage. No more famous scorpions to chase.
Yet, the golden turquoise California sky still glows, and the vertical expanse of DTLA looms—an ever-growing testament to the future. This painting, to me, is quintessentially Los Angeles.”
— Alexey Steele
Exhibited
Downtown Impressions: Plein Air Perspectives of Los Angeles, in collaboration with California Art Club at Ebell of Los Angeles, February 6 - March 16, 2025
