Lux Humans / Hikari Ningen Gallery was born from a deep love for art, culture, and community.

We are artists who came together to create a space that supports and celebrates creativity, culture, and community through an international roster of artists. While Lux Humans/Hikari Ningen works with artists from many backgrounds and countries, we have a special passion for uplifting Asian and Asian American voices—particularly those connected to Japanese culture and heritage. The gallery was founded by four artists who wanted to showcase not only their own work, but also the cultural experiences and creative perspectives that inspire them. In a world that often feels increasingly divided and volatile, we wanted to build something different: a place rooted in creativity instead of destruction, community instead of conflict, and safety instead of fear.

Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, Lux Humans exists to help preserve and uplift the spirit of this historic neighborhood as it faces growing pressures from gentrification and instability. Through exhibitions, workshops, and community gatherings, we aim to share stories, traditions, and dreams that connect generations and cultures. This is more than a gallery—it’s a place to learn, feel, grow, and shine together.

What many people don’t know is that Lux Humans was built without investors, grants, or crowdfunding. We never ran a Kickstarter or fundraiser to open our doors. Owners Chris Mitchell and Bobson Chiu paid for everything out of pocket, including major renovations and construction needed to turn the space into a functioning gallery. They are not wealthy people—just artists and educators who believed deeply in creating something meaningful for the community.

Unfortunately, timing and circumstances have made survival incredibly difficult.

During our opening period, downtown Los Angeles was under curfew, with National Guard presence throughout the area. Since then, ongoing protests, vandalism, fires, and general instability downtown have severely impacted foot traffic. The devastating loss of the Altadena community where many of our customers lived and the reality that many of our Latino customers and longtime supporters no longer feel safe coming out for normal activities has resulted in a significant loss of our customer base. The environment has not rebounded to normal, and recovery has been extremely challenging in our location.

Adding to this hardship, Chris Mitchell—who is the only employee running Lux Humans—experienced serious health issues that prevented him from opening the gallery for a period of time. Those unavoidable closures led to further financial loss for a space that was already struggling to stay afloat.

We are asking for help for the first time.

Our goal is simple: if we can recoup our initial construction and renovation costs, Lux Humans would be in a stable position to continue operating and serving the community. Without that support, we are in danger of not being able to continue.

If Lux Humans has ever inspired you, supported an artist you love, or represented the kind of creative, cultural space you want to see survive in Los Angeles, we humbly ask for your help. Any contribution—big or small—makes a real difference. Sharing this campaign also helps more than you know.

Lux Humans exists because of community. With your support, it can continue to exist for the community.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us.

— Lux Humans / Hikari Ningen Gallery