Chang Fen Central
April 2025
16” x 12" paper print, $40
11” x 8.5” paper print, $25
Available for purchase at Toronto local markets and for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artists for times and dates.
Custom Order Canvas:
16” x 12” canvas print, $110
Other larger sizes, available for custom order.
Available for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artist for orders and details.
Prices do not include tax.
Chang Fen Central is inspired by the Chinese food chain Yin Ji Chang Fen. Developed in Guangzhou in the 1958, they opened their first international location in Markham and have expanded to four additional locations across the GTA, with even more across Canada and the US. Specializing in rice noodle rolls, congee and dim sum, Yin Ji Chang Fen is known for their traditional techniques, smooth and silky rice rolls and expansive options. Featured here are the Spadina location’s popular dishes, Slice Beef and Shrimp Rice Noodle Roll (left) and a bowl of Shredded Pork Preserved Egg Congee (right).
Congee was something my mum made for me growing up. She often served it to me to help me recover from colds, since it is very similar to porridge. She would spend hours cooking the rice down until it was the perfect texture and then brought it to me while I was resting in bed. Now living across the country from her, I order congee when I am sick to help get me better, even though it will never be the same as hers.
Chang Fen Central is a part of my SIK JOR FAHN MEI AH Series where I consider my connection to Chinese food by showcasing some of my favourite dishes from local Toronto restaurants. The series title in English means “have you eaten yet?”. It is a meant as a phrase of love and care.
The BIG FOOD series was developed after the artist painted a mural for a local business called Simple Burger in 2021. The people behind this family-owned spot inspired them to develop a larger series about small businesses, immigrant culture and the love language of food.
Small businesses work above and beyond to operate their shops and produce meals. Behind all of them are people working tirelessly devoting themselves to their businesses. Food feels a lot more precious when we see all the work that has gone into it.
Food is also a love language. It falls under “Acts of Service” and yet it could be entirely its own. Many cultures use food as a form of care and to develop stronger bonds with loved ones. It is what builds our cultures and gives us space to belong to, especially for folks away from their homes. Food paves the way for our communities and often defines what home feels like.
The BIG FOOD series is an unlimited illustration series and will continue to speak to these themes and represent a vast array of cultures and people. As of 2023, the series is comprised of eight illustrations, each inspired by a specific small business or story.