Strait, from Stone Boat

This print comes from a lithographic series depicting what Chen calls the “regional architecture” of homes on Chicago’s North Side. Inspired by nocturnal excursions with his flashlight and sketchbook, Chen produced jewel-like impressions of the unpopulated city, exploiting the deep sfumato that lithography affords. The title of the series references an unusual stone pavilion in the Summer Palace near Beijing—a boat upon which a two-story, arcade-like structure was erected. The architectural details in Chen’s prints appear to “float” like this majestic stone monument.