
Emily Zou
Artist member since 2021
Toronto, Ontario
Emily is an emerging multimedia artist who works primarily with drawing and painting media and sculpture. She studied at DJCAD in Scotland while on an exchange, and she is a 2020 BFA graduate from OCADU’s Drawing & Painting program. Emily has shown her work at galleries and art fairs such as Gallery 1313, John B. Aird Gallery, Propeller Art Gallery, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, "Bloom Festival" and “Art & Mindfulness,” a yearlong exhibition held at the University of Toronto to raise awareness for mental health.
Emily is intrigued by the potential for landscapes and surreal spaces to reflect a psychological state. In much of her work, she explores imagery from personal narratives and dreams with a focus on her experience with depression and anxiety. In an age where mental illness and mental health awareness continues to rise, she hopes that her work can contribute to this conversation and provide a space for dialogue, connection, and understanding.
Work
I had a dream and there was a train station (original drawing, framed)
- Emily Zou
- 3.6" x 4.9"
- Unavailable
Q+A
Favourite book
I adore children's book illustrations! I grew up with Jan Brett, Dr. Seuss, Ludwig Bemelmans, Shel Silverstein, Quentin Blake, Shirley Barber, Phoebe Gilman, and Mary Engelbreit as some of my favourites. I also love Shaun Tan's work.
Why is it important for people to have art in their home or life?
Art has a bodily presence and carries the essence of its creator[s]. Art is a wonderful companion, a great conversation starter, and a tool that inspires thought and reflection.
What do you listen to when you work?
AURORA, LP, Mother Mother, Birdy, Of Monsters & Men, Sigrid, Askjell, Avicii, Micelf Welch, TheFatRat...
Describe the person your work appeals to in 3 words
Introspective, rare, soulful
What kind of artwork do you have in your home?
Most of the art hanging on my walls are original artworks and prints by me, friends, and family. I have work by Inés Díaz (@_sotart), Kris Sahlholdt (@krisaasahl), Rosi Maria Di Meglio (@rosimariadimeglio), Jakob Svensson (@jake_303_), Madison Rudin (@madisonrudin_art), and many others!
Favourite medium
Ink pen (it's super portable and graphic)
Upcoming Exhibitions
Select Past Exhibitions
2021
2021
2021
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2020
2018
2018
2017
2017
Accolades
2020
2019
2019
2018
2018
2017
2016
2015
Press
2021
2021
2020
2020
2019
2018
Education
2021
2020
2019
Social
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