Sea of Clouds opening reception

Sea of Clouds investigates the rich history of World Fairs and Expositions, particularly focusing on the representation—or the idea—of China from the 1851 London Fair to the 2010 Shanghai Expo, and its ties to the Chinese diasporas in North America. Initially, portrayals of China were influenced by the British-directed Chinese Customs Service to serve imperialistic agendas and shape perceptions in North America and Europe. However, as seen in the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where Chinese Americans took charge of their pavilions in response to the Chinese government’s refusal to participate due to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, these events evolved into platforms for cultural exchange and understanding.  

The China-themed pavilions showcasing replicas of Chinese villages and landmarks, such as Beijing’s Hall of Supreme Harmony or the Bendix Lama Temple, fostered cross-cultural dialogue. Even smaller-scale events like the 1936 Vancouver Golden Jubilee featured elaborate Chinese Carnival Villages, highlighting traditional architecture and customs. In some cases, individuals from the Chinese community were even shown as living exhibits.  

These Fairs served as initial introductions for many to the Chinese community, shaping perceptions and influencing cultural exchanges. Sea of Clouds explores the theatrical nature of North American Chinatowns and their architecture, examining their connection to World’s Fairs and their role in community revitalization. Through this immersive installation, which includes sculptures, cyanotypes, textiles, sound, architectural models, archival objects and photographic reproductions, the exhibition asks: how did these experiences shape perceptions, and what impact did they have on the cultural exchanges between communities? How do we address these colonial legacies in such cultural perceptions as we move forward as a society? 

Karen Tam holds an MFA in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a PhD in Cultural Studies (Goldsmiths, Universityof London). Her work is exhibited in museums and corporate collections such as the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal, Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec, Global Affairs Canada (Embassy of Canada in London), Hydro-Québec Art Collection, La Caisse de dépôt du Québec, Collection of the Royal Bank of Canada, TD Group, Microsoft Art Collection, and in private collections in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.