This exhibition surveys Chan's recent practice, focussing on his large constructions of objects and fibre. The elegant, ethereal constructions by Chan transform the galleries they occupy, using light and shadow to evoke a spatial poetry which is at once sparse and poignant.
Gleaned materials such as branches, sticks, toothpicks, buttons and string become sophisticated sculptural forms in the hands of artist Kai Chan. His complex works visually reference the arts and crafts movement while loosening the boundary between fine art and craft. The fluctuation between these categories parallel shifts and fluctuations in each work. Just as Chan's works contest the rigid practice of labelling and categorizing art works, the artist reconfigures static materials into something fluid, gestural and active. The physical complexity of his constructions is juxtaposed against the natural simplicity of materials.
Visitors to the Gallery will have the opportunity to glimpse the artist's process and work space through an educational video. The video interview takes place in Chan's studio and features his materials, previous works and works in progress.
A broad range of experiences informs the artist's work. Chan is originally from China where he studied Biology, his education in art is self-taught studying Interior Design and Fine Arts after immigrating to Canada. He has been a lecturer, instructor and visiting artist across Canada and in the United States and has taught at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto.
The artist has been a presence in both the Fine Arts and Craft community for a number of years with several group and solo exhibitions showing internationally. Chan has been awarded various commissions including the commission for the Mayor's Recognition Competition, Living Arts centre, Mississauga.
A publication will accompany the exhibition and include essays by Stuart Reid, Director/Curator, Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery and Robin Metcalfe, Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum London (London Regional Art and Historical Museum).
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