AC alumnus named first creator in residence at Library and Archives Canada
Posted on Friday, June 6th, 2025
Eric (eepmon) Chan. Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.
Algonquin College alumnus Eric (eepmon) Chan has been named the first creator in residence at Library and Archives Canada (LAC).
Extending to October 2025, eepmon’s residency will see him interpret Canada’s archival legacy through digital and generative art as inspired by the extensive LAC collection.
Born and raised in Ottawa, eepmon is a two-time Algonquin College graduate, first completing the Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science program in 2003 followed by a Bachelor of Information Technology – Interactive Multimedia and Design in 2008, a joint program with Carleton University. As a celebrated College alumnus, eepmon was the 2023 recipient of the Alumni of Distinction Creative Arts and Design Award and a nominee for the 2023 Premier’s Award in Creative Arts and Design. eepmon’s many professional accomplishments include having his artwork featured in the Canadian Museum of History and the Canada Science and Technology Museum, as well as representing Canada on minister-led trade missions to China and Japan.
At an online event on June 5, eepmon shared details of the LAC residency and how his creative process intersects data and art. With access to the full LAC collection, eepmon delves into the intersection of identity, technology and culture, exploring the relationship between archival data and digital art. As a coder, digital artist and creative entrepreneur, eepmon describes data as his colour palette with paint as his keyboard, using innovation in computer code to create algorithms and generative art.
eepmon’s residency will culminate in a final project showcase centering on the Chinese Immigration (C.I.) Certificates as mandated under the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act. From 1923-1947, under the act Chinese immigrants were effectively banned in Canada, with all Chinese persons living or born in Canada required to register with the federal government or face fines, detention or deportation.
A demonstration of eepmon’s process for creating generative art.
By navigating this under-explored chapter of Canadian history, eepmon will use C.I. Certificates to weave a visual narrative that blends graphical elements with archival data, effectively reimagining Canada’s heritage through digital art. In a sneak peek of this new body of work, eepmon demonstrated a program he developed that leverages block-chain technology and analyzes data into useful digital technology. His vision of a future-facing impact for his residency is a preservation of archives for the digital age, transforming data into archives of the future.
Further information about eepmon’s residency, work and upcoming events can be found on the LAC website.