Artist Biography
Yu Chen is a Chinese artist based in Calgary, working primarily in oil painting. She holds a B.A. from Western Oregon University and also studied at Guangxi Arts Institute. Her artistic journey began with a foundation in Western painting techniques, which she later combined with a deepening exploration of her Eastern cultural roots after moving to Canada in 2019. Drawing from her Han heritage, Chen’s work focuses on themes of identity, memory, and tradition. She often centers her practice around Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han people, using it as a visual and symbolic language to reflect cultural continuity and transformation. Alongside oil painting, she integrates media such as photography, traditional makeup, and installation to create immersive experiences. Through her art, Chen hopes to share Chinese culture in a way that is meaningful and easy for people from different backgrounds to understand.
yuchenartstudio.com
Instagram: @yuchenartstudio
Photo: Gavin John