Meet artist Kit Li, whose fresh take on Toronto landmarks has earned her a place in the City’s permanent art collection through the prestigious Mayor’s Purchase Award in 2024.
Kit is a bold, second-career, self-taught artist who reimagines everyday scenes and familiar places with unexpected patterns and striking digital designs. Her work is a unique mix of nostalgia with contemporary energy.
As has been tradition since 1974, the Mayor, in collaboration with the City’s collection curator, selects a work for the municipal collection through this award. Kit’s piece, Honest Ed’s, captures the spirit of the iconic, bygone Toronto establishment, infusing it with an eclectic energy. The artwork struck a personal chord with Mayor Olivia Chow, who shared fond childhood memories it brought to mind, delighting audiences with her heartfelt connection to the work.
We hope you enjoy exploring Kit’s captivating works—and here’s some exciting news: you have the chance to meet Kit in person next week at our Holiday Market and get your hands on a limited-edition print of her work. Don’t miss it!
See you soon,
anahita & TOAF Team
P.S.
- TOAF’s former award winners have taken over the city 💙 more In the Community section below
- 2025 Call for Artists opens December 1st!
About Kit Li
Born in Beijing, Kit Li has had the privilege of living in cities such as Hong Kong, Toronto, Philadelphia, London, and New York City. This global experience has profoundly shaped her artistic perspective, blending influences from the vibrant to the absurd, the striking to the subtle, and the East to the West. In 2023, she made the bold decision to leave the fashion world behind and pursue the arts full-time. Recognition from institutions like TOAF, the Guggenheim, and the public has bolstered her confidence, reinforcing her commitment to evolving as an artist.
Arts evoke emotions; some are to challenge, others to instill calmness, and more to induce nostalgia. Kit is drawn to the idea of imagining the stories behind places and things, recognizing that everything and everyone carries within them a mix of chaotic thoughts, tales, trials, and tribulations. Yet, we often wrap these complexities in a protective shell to face the outside world. In her work, she seeks to represent chaos within constraint, reimagining everyday scenes by encasing unrealistic prints and colours within familiar encounters.
Kit hand-draws both patterns and outlines, primarily using digital tools; However, she believes that art should not be confined to a single medium, so she has also been experimenting with large-scale mural installations, digital animations, and collages. She is excited about continuing to explore these new creative avenues in the future.
Hear from Judge
“Vibrant colours and electricity capture the energy of the place, with a bit of nostalgic flowers. The composition uses the golden rule, striking, and vibrant. We feel strongly about adding this vibrant iconic piece to the city’s fine art collection.”
— Ryan Goldsworthy, Museums Manager, Collections and Curatorial for the City of Toronto
What’s next for you?
I have a multi-media group show coming up in December at a new art gallery – Gallery 1065. I will show some work at the Gladstone hotel and a large-scale art installation in Paris next year. I am also experimenting with adding hand-painted elements to the digital pieces.
Curated Collection
Pumpkin is Out, Pine is In — Your Holiday Gift Guide
TOAF Holiday Market
November 28th, Thursday, 5 – 8 PM
In-person – Unit 262, 401 Richmond Street West
Find the perfect gifts for your family, friends or yourself. 🎁
We’ll be at the building-wide Holiday Open House this year at 401 Richmond. On November 28th from 5 – 8 PM, visit us on the second floor at unit 262 to discover works from various TOAF artists on display.
Browse their incredible paintings, illustrations, jewelry, ceramics, and more, all for under $200. We know you’ll find at least a few delightful, unique pieces to bring home!
In the Community
Another DECADE Exhibition at Koffler Art Gallery
Another DECADE, presented by Koffler Arts and on now until December 15th, Participating artists include the extraordinary Nile X, emerging artist and recipient of the TOAF63 Entrepreneurship Award, and our longtime friend Flavio Belli—artist, curator, gallerist, and a pivotal figure in Toronto’s art scene. TOAF is proud to see our community members featured in Another DECADE, a remarkable exhibition and meaningful testament to the lasting impact of Youngplace’s artistic community.
Elaborate Exhibition at Harbourfront Centre
Our friends at Harbourfront Centre are currently showing a group exhibition titled Elaborate, exhibiting five spectacular ceramic artists and curated by the visionary Melanie Egan, Director of Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre and TOAF’s board member. Elaborate is a tremendous showcase of innovative ceramic works that features many past and present TOAF artists. Now until December 29th.
Explore Elaborate
The Colours’ Colour Exhibition at Harbourfront Centre
While you’re at Harbourfront Centre, don’t miss Joon Hee Kim’s solo ceramic exhibition The Colours’ Colour, on now until March 30, 2025. This showcase is truly magical. We are also proud to say that Kim has earned an impressive six awards at Toronto Outdoor Art Fair since 2015.
Explore The Colours’ Colour
