The Mesa Asian District is celebrating culture in a big, bold palette with its latest public art installment, honoring the Year of the Dragon. A mural, titled "Jewel of Balance," now adorns the south wall of Mekong Plaza, bringing a vivid splash of symbolism to the heart of this diverse community. Local artist Shela Yu is the talent behind this enormous dragon named Drina, which dominates the piece and embodies the qualities of power, strength, and good luck.
For Yu, a Mesa native, the project is a personal nod to her background. "Painting this dragon mural at Mekong Plaza feels different because I’m sharing my culture with the very community where I grew up," Yu told Mesaaz.gov, articulating a sense of full-circle fulfillment in her work. Her approach marries the traditional with the contemporary, emblematic of the Asian American experience and the evolving tapestry of the area. "The Asian District offers a profound sense of belonging for Asian Americans in the Phoenix area," added Yu, highlighting the district's role as a cultural haven.
The "Jewel of Balance" is more than a standalone art piece; it's part of a larger mural collection that captures the Asian District’s spirit. Enthusiasts and aesthetes can use the mural map—available through the Select Mesa website—to discover the entire art series and appreciate the narratives behind the artworks.
In her work, Yu emphasizes values central to Asian cultures, with the mural's dragon taking its position against a backdrop of mountains. These details aim to portray balance and good fortune while inviting viewers to contemplate the larger story of cultural heritage and diversity. Meanwhile, the district isn't just sticking to static displays of culture. They're putting on an Indonesian Cultural Night on October 12, at the Mekong Palace Restaurant, complete with a multi-course dinner and an array of traditional entertainment. The highlight: Special guest H.E. Ida Bagus Made Bimantara from the Indonesian embassy is slated to share insights into his country's rich history.
