First Saturday Open Studios

Garrett Andrew Chong is an interdisciplinary climate artist whose practice explores the dynamic interplay of ecology, advocacy, and the transformative energy of light. A fourth-generation Chinese-Canadian, honours graduate from Emily Carr University, he blends lens-based imagery, public-engagement and digital projection to illuminate climate questions within our shifting landscapes.

Rooted in environmental stewardship and relationships with nature, his work reveals how ecosystems and communities support one another in continual growth. His recent projection and installation Eroded Origins: Speak For Me ! has exhibited across Canada and received critical media recognition (CBC-Radio, Stir Vancouver, Vancouver Is Awesome) for its immersive climate art, public-advocacy and sensory storytelling.

Eroded Origins: Speak For Me! is a climate art exhibition that invites citizens of all ages to connect, reflect, and engage in conversations about our shared environment. Celebrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems and humanity’s role in shaping a sustainable future, the exhibition encourages audiences to participate through immersive and interactive experiences.

At its core, the project transforms observation into engagement. Visitors are invited to explore their relationship with the natural world through prompts such as “If the forest could speak, what would it say?” and “What is your age?” These responses encourage patrons to “speak for the forest,” creating an inclusive dialogue that reflects diverse perspectives. The initiative aligns with the International Court of Justice’s recognition of climate change as a universal risk requiring global action.

Created on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Sto:lo, Tsilhqot’in, and Dakelh Nations, the project fosters community dialogue and shared stewardship inviting every visitor to contribute to a living conversation about sustainability and our collective responsibility to the natural world.