Guys at the Fair

Beginning in 2013, acclaimed Canadian artist Ho Tam initiated a series of self-published artist books entitled Poser (2013–16). Using the magazine format, Poser is a book series of snapshots taken in public at specific locations. Each issue focuses on a site and a grouping of people found there. Using a simple snap-and-shoot camera, Tam will approach subjects, ask permission, and take one photograph. Guys at the Fair is a selection of seven portraits from Poser #2 (2013). The issue presents images shot at the 2003 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. Ho Tam approached men who had won stuffed animals from carnival game booths. The series interrogates the mediated construction of masculinity, revealing diverse facets of the self through endearing, humorous, and at times awkward intimate portraits of men.

Tam’s Canada Line installations are extensions of Cover to Cover, a solo exhibition of the artist’s work at the Richmond Art Gallery through to May 27.

Presented in partnership with
Canada Line Public Art Program—InTransit BC

Waterfront Station is curated by
Richmond Art Gallery