Deng Li (b. Chengdu, China) became attached to drawing in kindergarten. Being “the kid” who knows how to draw in every classroom from childhood to high school subtly made art part of Deng Li’s identity. He received art and design education from Sichuan Normal University in China and OCAD University in Canada.

Deng Li began to pursue art professionally in 2023. He uses art as a lens to observe human life and as a vehicle to engage with self-discovery and contemporary social issues. Deng Li seeks to evolve the scale and form of his works, spanning multiple artistic mediums, including drawing, installation, interactive art, public art, behavioural art, and digital art.

Deng Li’s signature meditative drawings created with closed eyes bridge inner self and free expression while pushing the boundary of art making. As he increasingly incorporates public interaction into his artistic practice, Deng Li hopes to inspire others to have their own self-conversations and find their own path.

He has lived in Toronto since 2014.