A life-size statue of martial arts legend and Hollywood icon Bruce Lee, who died 50 years ago this month, is on display near L.A.’s Chinatown.
The Chinese American Museum opened its latest exhibit of works by Hong Kong master sculptor Chu Tat Shing at the Pico House, at 424 N. Main Street, across from the museum. Shing, a lifelong Bruce Lee fan, has created many sculptures honoring Asian icons, artists and visionaries.
Officials said the 5-foot-8 Lee statue, the highlight of the exhibit, is the only one of its kind in his iconic “sidekick” pose in North America, and “epitomizes the act of overcoming adversity with unwavering determination.”
The free “Divine Land, Enduring Legends” Shing art exhibition is now open through July 23, featuring over 40 sculptures and paintings. Shing will lead a sculpting masterclass workshop on July 21. The Pico House is closed on July 17.
Shing joined community officials — including Rep. Judy Chu, who has helped with museum expansion efforts — to unveil the Lee statue at a July 14 opening event held at the Chinese American Museum.
“Bruce Lee endures today as an iconic figure throughout the world,” said museum spokesperson Ellen Endo. “More attention than ever before is focused on Asian American actors, directors and writers. By commemorating the 50th anniversary of his passing, the museum honors his legacy as a groundbreaking figure and a legend.”
Michael Truong, the executive director, said the exhibition was a “rare opportunity” for the museum to showcase “the magnificent work of world-class artist Master Chu Tat-Shing.”
Another statue of Lee, holding nunchucks and posed in a martial arts stance, was unveiled in L.A. Chinatown’s Central Plaza in 2013.
Adding to the tributes, L.A. movie theaters will have screenings of “Enter the Dragon” — Lee’s last and biggest film — which premiered one month after his death on July 20, 1973, in Hong Kong. An inaugural Bruce Lee fitness challenge will benefit the Bruce Lee Foundation.