Mark Tan is a first-generation Canadian born and raised in Toronto by Asian immigrants. He produces interactive sculptures made from reclaimed solid wood, found materials, and domestic construction building materials at an architectural scale. His work expresses the emotional value of preconceived notions, longing, and disconnectedness in seeking acceptance within a community.
He received his MFA in Furniture Design & Woodworking in the Craft/Material Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. His work has been exhibited internationally at exhibitions such as the Hillyer Contemporary in Washington, D.C., Messler Gallery in Rockport, ME., Patterson-Appleton Gallery in Denton, TX., Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA., Wharton Esherick Museum in Malvern, PA., Aspen Art Museum in Aspen, CO., and the DeLeon White Gallery at the Gladstone in Toronto, ON. He has participated in residencies at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the Windgate Artist in Residence at San Diego State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Sculpture/Wood at Arizona State University.