The OCAD University community mourns the passing of Chinkok Tan on Dec. 23, 2025, at the age of 84. Tan was first a graduate, then later an instructor at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) for over three decades.
Born in Kuantan, Malaysia, Tan immigrated to Canada in 1967. He pursued his lifelong passion for painting, studying at OCA. He nurtured his curiosity about his new home of Toronto, often drawing inspiration from the dynamic street scenes of the Kensington Market neighbourhood and translating them to the canvas. Tan’s numerous paintings are now held in collections across Canada and internationally.
He was particularly drawn to subjects that were aging, discarded or easily overlooked, including old buildings, household objects and weathered landscapes. Rather than seeing them as obsolete, he sought to preserve their essence through his art.
After his graduation, Tan became a professor at OCA, developing a unique teaching and art style known as “seeing shape and light value.” Former students recall his patience in teaching painting fundamentals while simultaneously sharing his knowledge of the art world.
According to his biography, Tan published several books, including a notable account of his experiences as a new immigrant now held in the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Collection at the University of Toronto and Library and Archives Canada in Gatineau.
A celebration of life took place on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Todmorden Mills Papermill Gallery in Toronto.
A retrospective of Tan’s work, Toronto: A Retrospective of Chinkok Tan, is also on view at the Papermill Gallery until March 1. The exhibition brings together works from throughout the late artist’s career. Centring the exhibition is Tan’s book of the same name, an intimate portrayal of life in Toronto as seen through the eyes of a new immigrant. Tan hand-printed only 58 copies of the book and the exhibition represents the first time the work has been displayed publicly.
OCAD U extends its sincere condolences to Tan’s family, including his spouse Agnes, son Jason (Cynthia) and grandchild Jaya.
