MORRIS LUM // "Chinatowns" in Art and Archives

Join us for a talk by photographer and artist, MORRIS LUM, on his work to document the transformation of Chinatowns in Canada, including through his new book, Chinatowns: Tong Yan Gaai. Drawing on his relationship with the late David Lai and his engagement with the David Lai fonds at U of T Libraries, Morris will share his new work examining the evolving architectural and cultural landscapes of these communities.

A small number of Morris’ new book will be available for purchase.

An introduction to the David Lai fonds will be provided by archivist, JUNE CHOW.

This program is presented by University of Toronto Libraries Special Collections through its Richard Charles Lee Chinese Canadian Archives.

Speaker bios:

MORRIS LUM is a Trinidadian-born photographer and artist whose work explores the complex hybridity of the Chinese Canadian experience through photography, form, and documentary practices. His new book, Chinatowns: Tong Yan Gaai (DelMonico Books, 2025), shows how Chinatowns across North America are defined by both their evolving architecture and their rich cultural identity. Morris is an Assistant Professor in the Visual Studies Department at the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. His work has been exhibited and screened across Canada and the United States.

JUNE CHOW was born and raised and educated in Vancouver, graduating with a Master of Archival Studies from the University of British Columbia. She is a recognized leader in the research and practice of Chinese Canadian archives. June works in Special Collections at University of Toronto Libraries, providing vision and direction for the Richard Charles Lee Chinese Canadian Archives.

[Image carousel: Morris Lum (c/o 2024 Toronto Biennial of Art); Chinatowns: Tong Yan Gaai (DelMonico Books, 2025); Dragon Centre, 1997, David Lai fonds.]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Maclean Hunter Room, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, 120 St George Street, Toronto, Canada

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