JEWELLERY
Tracing the development of his practice over the past 45 years, the
exhibition features never before seen works and will demonstrate
the jewellery artist and innovator’s ceaseless ambition to push
boundaries through creative innovations. The exhibition will also
offer an unprecedented insight into Wallace Chan’s work as a
sculptor, a medium in which he has been working since 1973.
Highlights include a two-metre sculpture, titled Lotus Children, of
a blooming lotus flower made of titanium resting on a glass plinth.
The flower’s pistil is citrine, surrounded by four rotating figurines
of small children symbolise each season. A second sculpture,
Memories, from Death to Life, is a skull formed of titanium and The
Wallace Chan Porcelain. The skull, while naturally reminiscent of
death, is equally a celebration of life.
The exhibition will also include an intricately designed series of
jewellery, including brooches titled G
arden of Dreams a nd M
ind
Puzzle, that beyond being beautiful objects are also an exploration
of deep philosophical questions such as the origins of the universe.
The pieces in the exhibition incorporate a wide range of materials
including titanium, The Wallace Chan Porcelain and are adorned
with a multitude of gems and precious stones such as rubies, pearls,
sapphires, opals, amethyst, topaz and lapis lazuli, among others.
Wallace Chan said, “I look forward to introducing The Wallace Chan
Porcelain to London – one of the most innovative cities in the world
– in the beautiful setting of Asia House that speaks to the historical
and cultural importance of porcelain in China and its influence in
Europe. I always feel that I have a responsibility to innovate, whether
through the invention of a new idea, technique, tool or material.
My porcelain allows me to realise many new creations that defy
the limits of wearable art, just as titanium did in the past decade.
Perhaps, like titanium, it will serve to inspire others to explore the
possibilities of jewellery creations and sculptural art.”
Wallace Chan is a self-taught jewellery artist and innovator.
His curiosity and thirst for knowledge has led to the creation
of numerous innovations combining art, science and alchemy,
including: The Wallace Cut, an illusionary three-dimensional carving
technique invented in 1987; the mastery of titanium; a patented jade
technology; the invention of elaborate gemstone settings without
metal claws; and most recently, The Wallace Chan Porcelain, a
material five times stronger than steel.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a public programme of
events, including talks, guided tours and handling sessions, more
details of which will be announced soon.
Coinciding with this London exhibition, one of Wallace Chan’s
creations is currently on view in the exhibition, Jewels of Nature, at
Naturama in Svendborg, Denmark, running until 30 December 2019
Asia House, 63 New Cavendish St, Marylebone, London W1G 7LP
Issue 39 2019
The Art of Luxury
75