PETER HONG-TSUN CHAN

Peter Hong-Tsun Chanis a Chinese- Canadian artist working in Toronto. Chan received his BAA from Sheridan College in 2008. His paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in cities such as Paris, Hawaii, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montreal, Hong Kong, and Toronto. Chan is currently an instructor at OCAD University, Sheridan College, and Seneca College. His work has been included in the 2019 collection of Art with Heart Auction at the Art Gallery of Ontario. He has also been featured in publications such as Ming Pao and The Globe & Mail newspaper.

In “Ideals and Traditions”, Chan explores critical themes of East Asia inspired by his visit to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Through the autobiography documentation of imagery around him, he distorts and recomposes imagery to form compositions that allow for new narratives and meaning. This body of work documents and analyses themes of superstition, identity, popular culture, traditions, and gender ideologies. The artist uses a mix of contemporary figures to form new narratives by re-introducing them in both historical and contemporary locations.

Chan's latest works delve deeper in the dissection of social practices as informed by urban and traditional Hong Kong and Chinese culture. The artist strives to establish an autobiographical connection with viewers through intricate technical execution and familiar visual narratives, such as scenes from iconic Hong Kong films. More than merely paying homage to the illustrious film industry of Hong Kong, Chan prompts viewers to contemplate how popular culture influences our understanding of urban living and perception of social identity.