By Morgan Booth
Tongson Chen is a 23 year old painter living and working in Toronto. Tong’s current practice explores the use of salvaged materials from the streets of Toronto and mixed media to create a commentary on his city’s landscape. His multi-layered pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity while at the same time urging the viewer to take a closer look at their surroundings and the way they choose to interact with them. Tong has painted several times with Art Battle, and most recently competed at the 2012 Art Battle National Championships, tonight he returns to paint at Art Battle 48 joining a heavy hitting line-up of painters.
photo by Mike Hwang
You are Co-Director at Creatures Creating, what is Creatures and what do you do there?
Creatures Creating is an artist run gallery and studio. We are also home to several local bands. My job is to keep everyone tight 😀
Do you think it’s important to be involved in the art community?
2 on 2 battle, painting with a nearly broken collar-bone from a biking accident, couple sips of liquid courage, didn’t make it past first round, amazing!
