Kurt Chan: Perhaps Words

EVENT DESCRIPTION

We are Touch Gallery, an art space that exhibits artworks from well-known contemporary ceramic artists. And each month, there will be a Highlight of the Month, featuring different artists’ works and showcasing them together with ceramic artworks.
By exhibiting art pieces from famous artist and crafters around the world, we bring you not only the tangible touch of objects, but also to bring you an arUsUc touch to your life. ‘Life should be artistic’, this is the fundamental intention of Touch Gallery, let’s keep in TOUCH.

Curatorial Statement
“I always think about if Wang Xizhi could read English, used pen and keyboard, and had known about abstract expressionism; how would he practice his calligraphy.” – Kurt Chan

Kurt Chan learned Chinese calligraphy at his early age and became acquainted with Western contemporary art when he studied in the university. After retirement, he returned to calligraphy. The collision of the diverged experiences of Eastern and Western cultures endowed him a unique approach in art making.
He believes that calligraphy is the most fundamental, direct form of art, which embraces the act of writing and formation of architecture.

The act of writing floats along with mood and rhythm at one go, which cannot be repeated; while architecture, is the essential of the composiUon of from single word, to lines and paragraphs.
The speed of writing and characteristics of ink reject too much thinking, the artist needs to embrace and negotiate with accidents during the creation process.

Kurt Chan revisits his past and the traditions of calligraphy from the vantage point of contemporary art. The exhibition is a revelation of his open imagination as well as attachment of “inkscapes” in our cultural heritage.

Exhibition curated by Shirky Chan.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Prof. Kurt, Chan Yuk Keung was graduated from the Department of Fine Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He then obtained his M.F.A. from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michigan, U.S.A. Professor Chan joined The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1989, teaching studio courses and supervising M.F.A. students. He has retired since 2016.

Over the years, Kurt has participated over 80 exhibitions and locally and overseas, he was one of the two artists representing Hong Kong in the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005, the winner of Public Art Scheme competition in 1999. His works were collected by Hong Kong Museum of Art, HK Heritage Museum of Art, and private collectors.