Artist Spotlight: Ho Tam

Sun. Nov. 4th, 6:00 PM

The Vancouver Asian Film Festival is proud to present the world premiere of a new work by Ho Tam. Comprised of footage from many short films/videos, including LA SALLE PRIMARY, 99 MEN, MATINEE IDOL, and STILL LIVES (IN THE AMERICAS), CONFESSIONS OF A SALESMAN re-imagines and re-presents the output of one of Asian North America’s most accomplished artist.

Confessions Of A Salesman

Director/Writer/Producer: Ho Tam
Experimental | Beta | Colour | 2007 | 60 minutes | Canada

CONFESSIONS OF A SALESMAN is a satirical look at the process of image creation in a world obsessed by profit and consumption. Taking the Chinese maxim of “Waste Not” to heart, it compiles images from the artist’s archive, ranging from Catholic schoolboys, to business men, to movie stars. The “artist as salesman” negotiates multiple contradictions. As an immigrant from Hong Kong, the artist creates for a capitalist society. As an Asian living in North America, the artist advocates on behalf of a subculture. Thus, the artist moves constantly between art and commerce, self-expression, and mass appeal. Sly as well as moving, and beautiful as well as provocative, CONFESSIONS OF A SALESMAN confronts the audience with startling visuals and difficult questions about the artist’s dilemma.

World Premiere | Director in Attendance

followed by:

Special Q & A with Ho Tam

Ho Tam was born in Hong Kong and educated in Toronto and worked in advertising firms and community psychiatric facilities before turning to art. He works in a diverse mix of disciplinary including painting, video, photography, print and public art and has exhibited in various cities across North America. He currently teaches at the University of Victoria.

Ho Tam will field questions about his work, including the process of combining visual art with the moving image, his recent move from shorter to longer form works, and his obsession with men with glasses in suits and ties.

Celebrity Host for this program:

Sunita Prasad

Born in Saskatoon, Sunita made the move to Vancouver three years ago. Despite popular belief, it wasn’t just to escape those minus-40 winters. Out to pursue acting she soon found her way on TV, enjoying recurring roles on GODIVA’S and FANTASTIC FOUR – the animated series, with additional credits SAVED, KILLER INSTINCT, and DA VINCI’S INQUEST.

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