Don Kwan Art

Looking forward to exhibiting a new iteration of ‘This land is my land, this land is your land’ for the 2025 CAFKA Biennial. Field Guide to the Understory. June 7th - July 26th. #cafkabiennial2025 #kitchenerontario

Thanks Art Canada Institute and Ashley Carmichael: Belonging and memory are central to the career of third- generation Chinese Canadian artist Don Kwan, who often examines these themes through archival and historical objects. Kwan handwrites a simple but powerful message on an old VHS tape.

‘Dress for Mother’ on display at Carleton University Art Gallery until May 4th. photo credit Justin Wonnacott, Jocelyn Reynolds.

My wallpaper series at CUAG uses repetition to transform sourced images into symbols of cultural strength. Each repeated pattern acts like a mantra, reflecting experiences and preserving memory. With this series, I aim to fill the gaps in the Canadian art canon. Exhibition until May 4th.

Reflecting on the strength and resilience of those early Chinese ‘bachelor men’ who, in the face of sacrifice and adversity, built unique communities like Ottawa’s Chinatown and Chinatowns like it all over the world. Their courage paved the way for generations of families.

Wan Word exhibition opening conversation and documentation pics at Carleton University Art Gallery with artists, Kanna Anigbogu, Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr. curated by Yanaminah Thullah. CUAG Heather Anderson, Fiona Wright, Sandra Dyck #ottawaartscene #chinesediaspora #chineselantern #myartpractice

Final Installation was a success 💙💙💙 our 1st public art sculpture in its new home. Thanks to everyone involved, the City of Pembroke and Pembroke BIA for their support. #publicart #featheredcurrents #pembrokemainstreet #migration

A deep honour to have had artwork featured in the exhibit and published in the commemorative book marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act in Canada. It was a privilege to reflect on this important history during the ceremony at the Senate building in Ottawa back in 2023.

Researching the Toronto Archives left me contemplating the unrecorded histories missing from its official pages, which led me to explore the lived experiences of present day Chinese histories of Toronto’s Chinatown, including, Great China Herb Centre, established in 1967

Honoured to have artwork featured in the City of Ottawa exhibit that celebrates 40 years of public art in Ottawa. Corridor 45/75’s exhibition, Coalescence. March 22 to July 6, 2025

I’m honored to participate in the City of Ottawa’s newest project “Ottawa Stops Hate Together” anti-hate campaign, with keynote speaker Nathan Hall and big thanks to Councillor Rawlson King. Yesterday also marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Stay Tuned

A big thank you to Ashley Fraser for the wonderful studio visit and write-up in the Ottawa Citizen’s Social Scene Community Builders, for Paint the Town Pink at the Ottawa Art Gallery - Galerie d'art d'Ottawa’s Give to Get Art Auction ❤️‼️ save the date . May 29th

Never in my wildest dreams, I thought my art would be displayed at the FARM SHOW in Ottawa 💚💚💚 also, big tractor cabs make for comfy offices 🤣Thanks to the City of Pembroke and Pembroke BIA for pre promoting the sculpture. Official installation TBA ❤️❤️❤️ #artistlife #publicart #myartprocess

I had the pleasure of giving photographer Ashley Fraser a studio tour and sneak peek of my artwork donation for the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Annual Give to Get Art Auction. May 29th 💓 See you at the event. Self Portrait . Beyond the Patten. acrylic paint, velvet flock on archival paper

Reflecting on international woman’s day in Canada, Chinese and South Asian women were not granted the right to vote until 1948, followed by Japanese women in 1949.
It wasn’t until 1960 that Indigenous women were able vote “Dragon Dreams” acrylic paint, red velvet flock on archival paper 2025

Really enjoyed the process of creating my first ever intergenerational wallpaper pattern and seeing it come to life at Carleton University Art Gallery 💛🧡💙 on view until May 4th Carleton University Art Gallery #intergenerationalwallpaper #storytelling

An honour to have had the opportunity to speak about my art practice, engage with Victoria’s art community at UVIC and to spend a week exploring historically significant spaces across these land’s.

Enjoying the generosity of Canada’s oldest Chinatown, connecting with shop owners in Chinatown through art and storytelling, immersing myself in the archives, meeting Heather, UVIC artists, and Charlayne in Fan Tan Alley at the Victoria Chinatown Museum. Looking forward to tonight’s UVIC lecture❤️‼️

Our first ever public art sculpture is coming along ❤️‼️ #publicart #migration #featheredcurrents #migratorypatterns

New year….New prints 🌈 Unboxing a fresh order of business / postcards ❤️‼️ #myartprocess #myartpractice #donkwanart #chinesecanadianhistory

Grateful and honored to be included in Bill Staubi’s Grotto exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery ❤️‼️ This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks donated by Bill Staubi, celebrating his unwavering support for queer artists and Ottawa’s contemporary art scene. @ottawaartgallery.bsky.social

West Coast friends💚💚💚 I’ve been invited by the University of Victoria’s Visual Arts Visiting Artist Speaker Series to be a guest lecturer. It’ll take place on February 26th at 7:30 PM PST (10:30 PM EST). Thanks to Heather Igloliorte and UVIC for the invitation and hope to see you there 💚💚💚