- City
- Mississauga
- Booth
- Nathan Phillips Square
Booth 122
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.
Poppe’s contributions to art and design have earned him several accolades, including being selected as a finalist again this year for the 30th Mississauga Arts Council Awards, the RGD’s 2020 SoGood Award and the Judges Pick, which celebrate the power of design to do good. In 2019, he received the Mississauga Arts Council Award for Established Visual Artist. His work has been featured in prominent locations across the Greater Toronto Area, such as the Airport, QEW highway super-board, and Yonge-Dundas Square, through the 2019-20 COSTI campaign. In 2016 Hans was invited to present a solo show at the grand opening of the Boma Museum and Cultural Center in Iringa, Tanzania.
This will be Hans' 4th 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.
