Ken Lum

Ken Lum is a multi-talented artist, academic, and writer who has left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.

Biography of Ken Lum

Born on September 26, 1956, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lum grew up in East Vancouver.

After earning his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the University of British Columbia in 1985, Lum embarked on a prolific career that has seen him excel in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. His diverse body of work spans from conceptual to representational art.

One of Lum's notable early projects, the "Portrait-Logo" series from the mid-1980s, showcased his innovative approach to art-making. He paired portraits with logos, names, or descriptive text. These pieces draw inspiration from the aesthetics of family photography and advertising, occasionally delving into commentary on gender and ethnic stereotypes. Through the interplay of image and text, Lum introduces a sense of tension, prompting viewers to reflect on their role in shaping meaning.

From 2000 to 2006, Lum served as the Head of the Graduate Program in Studio Art at the University of British Columbia, where he had been teaching since 1990. He has also shared his expertise with aspiring artists around the world, teaching at institutions such as the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, and the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design in Philadelphia, where he currently holds the title of Marilyn Jordan Taylor Presidential Professor of Fine Arts.

Lum's extensive participation in major art exhibitions includes notable events such as the Carnegie International in 1991, the Sydney Biennale in 1995, the São Paulo Art Biennial in 1997, and the Shanghai Biennale in 2000. At the Shanghai Biennale, he not only exhibited his work but also contributed to the editing of the exhibition catalog. Additionally, Lum was featured in Documenta XI in 2002, further solidifying his presence in the global art scene.