- City
- Mississauga
- Booth
- Nathan Phillips Square
Booth 100
Hans Poppe
Hans Poppe is a distinguished contemporary artist and graphic designer based in Toronto, renowned for his innovative fusion of traditional mediums with African cultural elements. Born in Tanzania, Hans and his family migrated to Canada in 1987, seeking political asylum. This transition from East Africa to the Greater Toronto Area has profoundly influenced his artistic perspective, blending his Tanzanian heritage with his Canadian experiences.
Hans’ artistic practice encompasses painting, illustration, and printmaking, with a distinctive technique of oil painting on kitenge—vibrant African fabric—mounted on wood panels or canvas. This method not only honours his African roots but also introduces a unique texture and depth to his work.
Hans’s contributions to art and design have been recognised through various awards, including the RGD’s 2020 SoGood Award and the Judges’ Pick, celebrating the positive impact of design. In 2019, he received the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) Award for Visual Arts, Established. In 2025, he received another MAC award for Visual Arts, Traditional Forms. His design work has been displayed in prominent public spaces across the Greater Toronto Area, including the airport, QEW highway superboard, and Yonge-Dundas Square, notably in his 2019-2020 COSTI immigrant services campaign.
This will be Hans' 5th year exhibiting at the juried Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. His dedication to showcasing African identity and culture through art continues to resonate both in Canada and internationally.
