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. 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. 

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. My goal is to share knowledge about Hanfu and its history and educate people about the differences between Hanfu and other traditional Asian dresses.  

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:

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 in 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.