YU CHEN ART STUDIO
BIO
Yu Chen is a Chinese artist based in Calgary, who specializes in oil painting. She has a BA degree from Western Oregon University and the GuangXi Arts Institute.
She is inspired by Western-style painting and Eastern culture. She explores these elements through a wide variety of media and techniques, such as photography, traditional makeup, and installation. Her current art practice focuses on her self-exploration of cultural identity, specifically her Han heritage.
Yu Chen exhibited her solo show “Meditation” and participated in a group show “Hanfu beauty” at the Alberta Society of Artists in 2022. She was an artist in residency at Sparrow Artspace during September 2022. Her work has also been selected for the Juror's Choice Award at the Dan and Gail Cannon Gallery, Western Oregon University, in 2017.
Artist Statement
I am a Han Chinese visual artist, Hanfu promoter and makeup artist. My passion for Asian culture has always been a source of inspiration for me, especially the traditional clothing: Hanfu. I share my culture through painting, immersive Hanfu life drawing and photo sessions, and traditional cultural events. I create art related to my heritage because it has been a way of pursuing inner peace for me, it also reflects the strong connection I have with my family and background.
As an artist of Han heritage, I learned about Hanfu culture in 2017, and it has become a great part of my life since then. Hanfu disappeared for nearly 300 years during the establishment of the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). The Manchu ruling class banned Han Chinese clothing and replaced it with their own style. Currently Hanfu traditions have been revitalized, for this reason, the aim of my practice is to share and continue this custom with the community. My goal is to share the knowledge about Hanfu and its history, build understanding, and educate people about the differences between Hanfu and other traditional asian dresses.