At the Canal Street subway station, located in New York City’s Chinatown, there is an art installation titled Empress Voyage 2.22.1784, created by artist Bing Lee.
The work was installed in 1998 as part of the MTA’s Arts for Transit program. It consists of 200 tiles designed to resemble exported Chinese porcelain. The installation commemorates the voyage of the Empress of China, the first American ship to sail to China after the country’s independence.
The title’s date, February 22, 1784, marks the day the ship departed from the newly formed United States. The voyage established the first trade relations between the two nations. Over a year later, the ship returned to New York Harbor carrying goods such as silk, tea, and porcelain.
The mural displays various hand-drawn icons inspired by Chinese art, mostly in blue and white tones. In addition to reflecting aspects of China’s history, it also acknowledges the Chinatown neighborhood. Some of the icons come from Pictodiary, Bing Lee’s personal graphic journal, which he has been creating daily since 1983.
The installation extends to other platforms in the station, where elements such as interlocking teapots can be found. These incorporate the Chinese character for “good life.” Symbols representing “Asia,” “quality,” and “cycle” are also featured.
Bing Lee also designed the Chinese sign for “Chinatown” located next to the Canal Street subway sign. Although the pieces are spread throughout the station, the artist considers them part of a single unified artwork.
In his words:
“I want to give viewers art that reminds them of history, but also speaks directly to them. Something meaningful, yet playful.”