Karen Tam: Sea of Clouds
Exploring the Chinese diaspora in Canada through an artist's eyes
Artist Karen Tam draws from her upbringing to create installations that reflect “cultural encounters,” both experienced and observed. Her works explore the Chinese diaspora in Canada, including the re-creation of Chinese-Canadian restaurants, opium dens, and artist and photo studios, to name a few. Tam will also be at AUArts on November 19, 2024 for an artist talk about public art and one of her latest projects (learn more and register here).
Tam;s current exhibition at Alberta University of the Arts is Sea of Clouds. “The exhibition takes on, as a starting point, basically, the historical large-scale, international spectacles of the world fairs and expositions. I’m looking specifically at the Chinese pavilions, or maybe I should say how China was displayed or how it represented themselves in these fairs,” Tam says. “…I was looking at the connections to the Chinese diaspora. I guess I wanted to explore the politics of display, you know, the construction of national or cultural identity and space, the material culture and such.”
In addition to installation work, Tam has also worked in the realm of public art, which she sees as an important part of everyday life and a way to connect with others. “Working in public art is quite recent for me, and it’s been a really, really amazing experience because, you know, I’m just learning every time.
“…I have the strong belief that art should be integrated into the experience of daily life. So that could be, you know, a small artwork that you really connect with, that you just have around the house, but also thinking about how else that it can be integrated into daily life, not just in the home….I think public art, by occupying public spaces, it can be seen as a form of activism and engagement with community. In a way, you’re bringing the art out to meet and to engage with the viewer, with citizens.”
Sea of Clouds runs until November 23, 2024 at Illingworth Kerr Gallery at AUArts. A public Artist Talk with Karen Tam, presented by AUArts in partnership with Calgary Arts Development, takes place on November 19, 2024 (register for the event here).
Learn more about Tam’s extensive art practice, her upcoming Artist Talk at Illingworth Kerr Gallery, her take on public art and works that inspire her on this week’s Storytelling Podcast.
About The Storytelling Podcast
Sharing diverse stories of creativity in our city, The Storytelling Podcast shines a spotlight on artists and projects that connect Calgarians to the arts. Part of The Storytelling Project, this series raises awareness about Calgarians who, by living creative lives, are making Calgary a better city, affecting positive change and enriching others’ lives.
Have a story to share? Email us at submissions@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
