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EVENT DESCRIPTION
Contemporary by Angela Li is proud to present solo exhibition of Hong Kong artist Chan King Long, Ken “The Embrace of Oxidation,” showcasing his latest body of works created over the past year. In this exhibition, Chan offers a nuanced exploration of objects imbued with history and narratives of the past, examining them as markers of existence that celebrate the splendour of life. His oil paintings draw from personal experiences, transforming into unique entities that transcend their decaying subjects, infusing new life and meaning into the stories they tell.
Everything ages. Oxidation, a natural chemical process involving the reaction of substances with oxygen over time, serves as a metaphorical anchor for the exhibition. This inevitable phenomenon of decay, paradoxically, becomes a symbol of endurance and timelessness. Chan’s works reveal this interplay between transience and eternity, inviting viewers to reflect on the traces time leaves behind. Depicted in the work “Rust in the pond”, the lotus flowers— once vibrant in full bloom and now weathered by time, poignantly parallel human experience. They bear the trails of growth and memory, embracing the beauty of life’s journey and reminding us that we are the composers of our own ode to existence. The candles in “Candela”, despite their impermanence, radiate optimism, suggesting fresh possibilities and new beginnings. The composition evokes the intimacy of gatherings, infusing the atmosphere with a comforting warmth. Chan’s connection to his creation is vividly expressed through high-contrast colours that capture the intensity of life in both beings and objects.
Chan believes that the essence of art, particularly in his practice of oil painting, resides in the creative process and moments of maturation. Oil paint solidifies as it oxidises, mirroring Chan’s inward exploration and reflection– a process distilled onto his canvases. The vigorous layering of texture in his paintings enhances their depth, imbuing them with life beyond their aesthetic appearances. Each painting tells stories of enduring tales and cherished objects, encouraging viewers to uncover their own narratives, growth, and the different meanings that lie within.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
Chan King Long, Ken (b.1997) received an Associate of Visual Arts from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2018, and a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) degree from the joint programme by RMIT University and Hong Kong Art School in 2021. Chan’s works respond to themes such as history, social phenomena, living status, global miseries, and personal experiences. Chan exposes and brings forth the different approaches to perceiving these topics and their various states of existence. In his words: “The paintings portray the subconscious, but simultaneously they are just as realistic.”Chan has participated in solo exhibitions in Hong Kong including: “Voyage of the night” (Contemporary by Angela Li, 2023), Hong Kong, China, “Beneath illuminating shades” (Art Central Hong Kong, solo project 2024), Hong Kong, China. Selected group exhibitions in Hong Kong and Guangdong, featuring: “Confluences of Voices”, (Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2023), Hong Kong, China; “Young Man Rhapsody”, Hong Kong, China 2023; “Bon Voyage”, (1a Space 2023), Hong Kong, China, “Colours Come with Thoughts”, (Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2022), Hong Kong, China; “Anything Anywhere”, (Contemporary by Angela Li 2022), Hong Kong, China; and “Again. See”, (Zhongshan Museum of Art China, 2018) China. He was the recipient of the Dean’s List Award (2021), Boon Lee Award (2021/22) and 1a Space Award (2021/22).
