Kai Hu is a writer, curator, and artist currently in OCADu under the Visual and Critical Studies program with a minor in Integrated Media. Primarily focused on academic writing, he also experiments with photography, film, illustration, and creative writing, with written pieces published in various locations. Having worked in several art spaces, he curated exhibitions which provided opportunities for both emerging and established artists. All his works include recurring themes such as leftist politics, East Asian culture, and personal experiences such as immigration and grief.
Stray Sheep
Photography and text, 8'' x 11'', 2025
The poem is inspired by one of my favourite novels and a Japanese classic, Sanshirō by Natsume Sōseki. It narrates the story about a young man starting university in Tokyo during late Meiji, navigating a new personal era and the everchanging national era. Trying to find a place to belong in his new life, he does it through the pursuit of friendship, romance, and academia. The photograph was taken steps away from my old house in Japan, a homely scene under the afternoon light, a view which was so familiar but not anymore. By taking elements of Sanshirō and my personal life, I attempt to express the want to belong to a country I’m not from, and don’t reside in anymore.
Bund
Photography and text, 12" x18", 2025
The text talks about me looking back at my life through three layers: one of where I am standing now, one of where I used to be, and one of where I am originally from. Having resided in three countries, the city I grew up from in China is familiar only in memory. Same goes for my family, some who passed years ago. The "river" which goes on forever refers to the Huangpu River and my desire for my life, and the world, to stop changing. The photograph is taken at the Bund, overlooking the Huangpu River, with a family spending time together. To me, this feels like a dream.
