Opening Reception: Wednesday, October 18, 6–8 p.m.
Meet the Artists: Saturday, October 21, 2–3 p.m.
Calligraphy Meditation with Li Tung: Tuesday, November 7, 2–4 p.m.

Prepare to embark on a journey into the world of dreams and imagination with "Dreamscapes," an exhibition featuring paintings by two artists, Lan Yao and Li Tung. Fusing ideas and reality, “Dreamscapes” explores fantastical realms and science fiction landscapes.

Born in Beijing, China, Lan Yao's artistic journey is a testament to the power of imagination. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was ten, and as a child, she experienced a demanding and solitary life marked by high expectations and regimented schedules. Yet, within the confines of this structured existence, Lan Yao found solace in her vivid imagination. Drawing became her sanctuary, a place where she and her brother could escape into epic adventures of aerial warfare, fantastic robot worlds, gallant giants, and beautiful fairies. Today, Lan Yao's paintings recreate those fantastic worlds of her childhood, offering viewers an opportunity to explore boundless possibilities and endless adventures.

Li Tung’s recent works constitute a collection of futuristic paintings that depict a future landscape or parallel universe where humans no longer dominate. They can be divided into three series: Scene with Nuclear Explosion, Scene with Tentacle, and Linescape. Collectively, these series thread together an epic science fiction novel that leads to a larger series: Post-Anthropocene World. The destruction of human civilization is often referred to as “the end of the world.” In Tung’s paintings, the world continues, and the question is asked: in this “post-anthropocene” world, what will the landscape become, and what creatures will roam the Earth?

About the Artists:

Lan Yao has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and a degree in 3D Animation and Visual Effects from Vancouver Film School. Lan Yao currently resides in Squamish, BC, where her creativity continues to flourish.
www.artbylanyao.com
 

Li Tung’s creative oeuvre spans two- and three-dimensional arts, painting, installation arts, photography, calligraphy, performing art, impromptu dance, stage design, game and multimedia design, and creative writing. Born in 1971 in Taipei, Taiwan, Li's artistic journey began at a young age and culminated in his graduation from the School of Fine Arts at the National Taiwan University of Arts. A health challenge in his late thirties became a turning point, leading him to refocus on the human body as a source of artistic inspiration. His recent paintings, reflecting a deep understanding of surrealism and Pan-Asian arts, communicate profound stories through vivid imagery.

Li Tung's artistic contributions have been showcased in galleries across Taiwan, including the Taipei Arts Gallery and YIYU Arts Gallery. He is a distinguished member of the "Fifth Moon Group," Taiwan's influential artists collective, and has received accolades such as the Taipei Arts Awards from the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the Nanying Awards from the Tainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau. In Vancouver, his work has graced venues like the Harmony Arts Festival, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Taiwanese & Canadian Arts Series, and Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society Arts Gallery.
www.double12.ca