All the World’s A Stage: The Art of Luis Chan

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Widely regarded as Hong Kong’s pioneer of modern art, Luis Chan is known for his imaginative paintings of landscape, figures, and animals that defy art historical and cultural categorisation. Chan’s colourful works are matched by an equally vibrant personality. Referencing Shakespeare’s evocative phrase ‘All the world’s a stage’, this HKAC 45th anniversary flagship exhibition explores Chan’s art and legacy in a thematic investigation that highlights the artist’s perceptive portrayal of daily urban drama and identity, his love of narrative and storytelling, and his uplifting spirit throughout the tumultuous 20th century.

As a key part of the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s 45th anniversary, this exhibition provides an opportunity to enrich extant research on the artist with new archival materials and a long overdue institutional monograph since the artist’s passing. The exhibition will display Chan’s paintings of various styles, from early realistic landscape watercolour paintings to later fantastical abstract portraits, presenting Chan’s kaleidoscopic artistic trajectory in the local art scene to Hong Kong and international audience

Hong Kong Arts Centre launched the 5-year project Luis Chan Studio in May 2022, with the Studio showcasing his living environment and the setting when he was still alive and drawing, allowing audience to gain an in-depth understanding of Luis Chan’s creations and his artistic world.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Luis Chan, also known as the ‘King of Watercolour’, is a local legendary artist and is significant in the Hong Kong art history. He lived in a home studio located at Lockhart Road in Wan Chai before—in that apartment, he drew numerous paintings. Streetscape of Wan Chai and nearby stores cultivated his inspiration. His artworks are traces of the past and rich in local characteristics. Taking reference from Luis Chan’s home studio at Lockhart Road in Wan Chai, Luis Chan Studio features Chan’s personal belongings, such as furniture, paintings, and books relocated from his studio. Visitors can glimpse Chan’s creative space of the old days through the glass window. And through understanding the meanings behind some of the displayed items, visitor can further explore different traits of Chan. It is hoped that the Studio can provide the public with an alternative visual experience and a deeper understanding of Chan’s life. More historical photos and written records about Chan are showcased to guide the audience through his artistic journey and development of styles, reflecting on important traces of Hong Kong art history.