Johnny Tai (Tiger)
Tai’s landmark solo exhibition reimagines the signs of the Chinese zodiac alongside Western astrological symbols, drawing on ancient mythologies and contemporary cultural threads alike. This constellation of 22 tactile works explores identity, heritage, belonging, and intercultural dialogue through a sensuous language of line, texture, and touch. Originally presented at the **Richmond Art Gallery Annex in 2025**, the series now embarks on a new chapter here in Victoria, engaging local audiences with its accessible, interwoven cosmos of symbols and stories. Tai’s art practice has been recognized through exhibitions at renowned spaces including the Grunt Gallery (Vancouver), the Italian Cultural Centre, and the Outlet Gallery, and his work continues to challenge and expand understandings of visual art and accessibility.
Johnny (Tiger) Tai is a visionary Canadian artist, martial-arts instructor, and accessibility advocate whose work transcends conventional boundaries of perception and experience. Born in Taiwan and based in Richmond, British Columbia, Tai is totally blind and partially deaf, yet he approaches art — and life —with an intensity of touch, intuition, and rich sensory imagination that defies expectation. Drawing on his lived experience, Tai creates tactile etchings that invite audiences to *feel* art as deeply as they *see* it.
Born in Taiwan and based in Richmond, British Columbia, Tai is totally blind and partially deaf, yet he approaches art — and life —with an intensity of touch, intuition, and rich sensory imagination that defies expectation. Drawing on his lived experience, Tai creates tactile etchings that invite audiences to *feel* art as deeply as they *see* it. At the heart of Tai’s practice is his signature raised etching technique: intricately textured, two-dimensional compositions on aluminum that are as compelling under fingertips as they are under eyes.
Johnny (Tiger) Tai is a visionary Canadian artist, martial-arts instructor, and accessibility advocate whose work transcends conventional boundaries of perception and experience. Born in Taiwan and based in Richmond, British Columbia, Tai is totally blind and partially deaf, yet he approaches art — and life —with an intensity of touch, intuition, and rich sensory imagination that defies expectation. Drawing on his lived experience, Tai creates tactile etchings that invite audiences to *feel* art as deeply as they *see* it.
Born in Taiwan and based in Richmond, British Columbia, Tai is totally blind and partially deaf, yet he approaches art — and life —with an intensity of touch, intuition, and rich sensory imagination that defies expectation. Drawing on his lived experience, Tai creates tactile etchings that invite audiences to *feel* art as deeply as they *see* it. At the heart of Tai’s practice is his signature raised etching technique: intricately textured, two-dimensional compositions on aluminum that are as compelling under fingertips as they are under eyes.