"Current Affairs" Artwork

Rich Lo is an accomplished artist and illustrator, whose journey began in Canton, China, where he, along with his six siblings, discovered a passion for drawing and painting. At the age of seven, he and his family emigrated from Hong Kong to the United States, finally settling in Chicago's vibrant Chinatown.
As an illustrator, Rich's illustrative work has appeared in various platforms, from packaging and advertisements for national brands to television commercials. As a fine artist, he has created a diverse collection of unique paintings and drawings, including large installations in downtown Chicago.
In 2022, Rich made a significant contribution to Chicago's cultural landscape by creating a mural titled "Chinese Opera" on the west wall of the Chinese American Museum. This mural showcases iconic opera stars depicted in Rich's distinctive and vibrant color palette, celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of Chinese opera.
The mural at the DuPage Children’s Museum, completed in 2024 is a city-funded project in Naperville. Titled "Chinese Kite Festival," this artwork is painted on wooden panels on the museum's south wall. Inspired by his book of the same name, the mural aims to spark imagination and creativity, encouraging viewers to explore artistic expression and embrace creativity in their everyday lives.
In 2025 he was picked by MAC at Collage of DuPage to be the artist to pair with the “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” exhibition. This project invites each city in DuPage County to submit one or more of their iconic landmarks, reimagined in the traditional Ukiyo-e art style. These illustrations will be used to promote and celebrate the unique character and beauty of each city, blending the rich cultural history of DuPage with the timeless elegance of Japanese art.
Rich Lo's commitment to promoting Chinese culture and traditions extends beyond his artwork. He uses his books to share the beauty and richness of Chinese culture. His first book Father Chinese Opera, published 2014, was chosen as the honor title for the 2014-2015 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Picture Book Category. Other titles are New Year, Chinese New Year Colors, Chinese Kite Festival, 123 Dim Sum, After the Snowfall and After the Moonrise.