EXHIBITION

Lap-See Lam was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1990, where she lives and works. She obtained a Master’s degree in Fine Art in 2020 from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. Lam’s work traverses diverse genres and disciplines, from video installation to live performance, blending contemporary techniques with traditional references and methods. Lam draws on experiences of the Cantonese diaspora, including traditional forms of storytelling such as shadow play and Cantonese opera, as well as the aesthetics of Western Chinese restaurants. Her work creates mythical imaginations of Chinoiserie as defined by imperialist history, while simultaneously reflecting on her own family history of migration to both claim ownership and complicate the idea of cultural heritage.

Lap-See Lam represented Sweden at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024. Her site-specific, audio-visual installation,The Altersea Opera, realized together with composer Tze Yeung Ho and textile artist Kholod Hawash, was commissioned by Moderna Museet in Stockholm for the Nordic Pavilion. Recent solo exhibitions include The Power Plant Gallery of Contemporary Art, Toronto (2024-25); Studio Voltaire, London (2024); AKG Art Museum, Buffalo (2023-24); Swiss Institute, New York; Portikus, Frankfurt (both 2023); Bonniers Konsthall, Stockholm (2022); Trondheim Kunstmuseum (2021); and Moderna Museet Malmö (2018–19). In 2025, Lam will present exhibitions at the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Moderna Museet, Stockholm; and PHI, Montréal.

The exhibition is organized by The Vega Foundation, curated by Julia Paoli, Director and Curator at The Vega Foundation with Kate Whiteway, Assistant Curator at The Vega Foundation, and developed for PHI in dialogue with Cheryl Sim, Director and Chief Curator at PHI.

Julia Paoli
Julia Paoli is Director and Curator of The Vega Foundation, where she plays a key role in supporting artists’ film and video through the commissioning of ambitious new works and the stewardship of a growing collection. She has worked with artists such as Ali Cherri, Aria Dean, Alia Farid, Danielle Dean, and Lap-See Lam, with forthcoming commissions from Lucy Raven, Rosa Barba, Sharon Lockhart, and Stephanie Comilang. Prior to Vega, Julia was the Director and Curator of Mercer Union, Toronto (2017-2023), where she organized exhibitions with artists such as Bambitchell, Beatrice Gibson, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Lydia Ourahmane, Onyeka Igwe, among others. Julia was also Associate Curator at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (2012-2017) and holds a Master's in Curatorial Studies from the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, New York.

Kate Whiteway
Kate Whiteway is Assistant Curator at The Vega Foundation where she supports the commissioning, acquisition, and exhibition of artists’ film and video, including Lap-See Lam: Floating Sea Palace at The Power Plant, Toronto (2024-2025) most recently. Before joining Vega, Kate was Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at The Art Gallery of Ontario. She also works as Associate Director of Franz Kaka, and maintains an independent curatorial and writing practice that focuses on research-based artists and contemporary exhibition histories. Recent exhibitions include Andrew James Paterson: Never Enough Night, the plumb, Toronto (2024) and Louise Lawler, Louise Noguchi, Beauty Supply, Toronto (2023). She holds a Master’s in Curatorial Studies from the University of Toronto.

The Vega Foundation
The Vega Foundation is committed to cultivating new ideas and connections through encounters with artists’ film and video. We provide critical support for artists through meaningful investments in the production of ambitious new work and the stewardship of a growing collection. Vega’s curatorial program is dedicated to exhibiting these exceptional works through collaborations with Canadian and international institutions. By expanding access, we seek to grow appreciation for moving image practices and facilitate vibrant conversations that reflect the pressing issues of our time.

Download the Exhibition Pamphlet ↓

Starting May 14, join the free guided tours of the exhibitions Nico Williams: Bingo and Lap-See Lam: Shadow Play offered by our mediation team. To attend, please go to 451 Saint-Jean Street with a valid ticket for the current programming.

Tour Schedule:
• Wednesday at 5:30 PM — in French
• Thursday at 5:30 PM — in English
• Saturday at 1 PM — in French
• Saturday at 3 PM — in English

Limited to 10 people per tour.
First come, first served.

The Education Department offers on-site group visits for school, academic, community, language school and general public groups. The group visit can be combined with a creative workshop.

To make a reservation for your group, please fill our online form.

Sound Levels
Some artworks may be loud. Complimentary earplugs are available, and a limited number of noise-cancelling headphones for children can be borrowed at the reception desk located at 465 Saint-Jean Street.

Flashing Lights
Certain artworks contain sequences of flashing lights that may cause discomfort for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

Low-Light Spaces
Some artworks are presented in dimly lit environments. If you feel unwell or disoriented, please don’t hesitate to ask a mediator for assistance.

Distance from the Artworks
Please keep a safe distance from the artworks on display and avoid touching them.