Birthday
Cake
Alicia Chen
It was Alicia’s host family, the Marrs, who taught her about unconditional love. During the two years Alicia spent with the Marrs as a homestay student, their kindness extended to all areas of her life. Beyond simply teaching her how to speak English, they taught her about the notion of self-expression. By the time she started her own business, they would regularly drop by at the end of her work day and invite her for a movie night and sleepover.
On those more difficult work days, they would selflessly turn up to help her clean the arts studio and meet her company’s high standards. When she moved to New York, they would call her weekly to check in, and make sure she was safe. Now that she is settled in this cold northern city of Toronto, the memories of birthday cakes they prepared for her and the friends she made during that time provide her with a sense of home. Whenever she encountered darkness, the faces of her wise and ever loving parents would shine like candlelight, illuminating her path forward.
Birthday
Cake
Alicia Chen
Alicia Chen is an interdisciplinary artist/curator from Toronto, Canada. She holds degrees in Visual Arts and Art History from the University of British Columbia. She has worked, collaborated and showcased her artwork at influential institutions and corporations such as, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Arta Gallery, Peter Triantos Art Gallery, Artist Project, Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Messors, University of Toronto Architecture Faculty, The University of British Columbia, Villa Charities, TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), Commonwealth Magazine and Eslite Bookstore. Her artworks are in private collections in New York, LA, Vancouver, Toronto, and Taipei.
Professionally trained in New York City, Alicia creates versatile artwork inspired by the human experience in a wide range of styles. From fine art to exhibition curatorial, Alicia enjoys connecting with diverse people through her creativity. She curates art exhibitions and cultural events at galleries, organizes political campaigns and regularly gives back to her community.
Artist Info