About 400 light-years away from Earth is the wildest dream fantasized under the light of stars fulfilled by the incomprehensible wonders of the universe: The Butterfly Nebula. What would it be like to wear the wondrous universe on us? Wallace Chan, an internationally renowned jewellery creator explores the question with his innovative jewel art.
Now viewers get a chance to take on a journey through time and space with Chan’s latest exhibition Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan in Hong Kong. It showcases over 80 unique creations, including contemporary sculptures, wearable works of art, and pieces composed of the artist’s innovations over the past 45 years.
Butterfly Nebula｜Brooch
Wallace Chan and Rebecca Wei, Chairman of Christie’s Asia
Wallace Chan was the first contemporary Asian jewellery artist to hold a solo exhibition at the Gemstone Museum in Germany and the Capital Museum in Beijing, and also to exhibit his work at the Paris Biennale des Antiquaries and TEFAF Maastricht.
“To me, jewellery is an art form. Ornamentation means little unless it amalgamates with the human body,” said Wallace Chan. Ever-curious in the unknown and undiscovered, Wallace does most of the research, experimentation and artisanal work himself, hence it often takes years to complete a piece.
Wallace Cut
Wallace Cut
Chan is best known for his much-celebrated Wallace cut, a carving technique that takes advantage of a gemstone's internal properties to produce designs with a three-dimensional effect. It involves drilling a hole into the back of a multifaceted stone and then carving an image there, in reverse. When viewed from the front, the image will be reflected multiple times.
A New Generation｜Ring
A New Generation｜Ring
A New Generation｜Ring
Wallace started collecting porcelain artefacts in his 20s, and in 2011, in order to fulfil his creative visions, began experimenting on a material that is heavily rooted in culture and history, has rich colour, intense lustre, strength, toughness and a contemporary spirit – The Wallace Chan Porcelain.
For example, ‘A New Generation’ ring was made by 12.7-carat sapphire, aquamarine, diamond, and Wallace Chan porcelain. Three sapphires represent a century’s supernovas. Together, they appear so vibrant, they outshine entire galaxies. The look and feel of the porcelain securing the gems reflect the vitality and brightness of supernovas.
Eye of Time｜Pendant
Eye of Time｜Pendant
About 400 light-years away from Earth is the wildest dream fantasized under the light of stars fulfilled by the incomprehensible wonders of the universe: The Butterfly Nebula.
Butterfly Nebula｜Brooch
Butterfly Nebula｜Brooch
Butterfly Nebula｜Brooch
Butterfly Nebula｜Brooch
Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan exhibition is held from 14 - 25 January at Christie’s Hong Kong. In celebration of this special exhibition, Christie’s Education will hold a series of educational programmes with Wallace Chan. The programmes include 'Masterclass in Modern and Contemporary Jewellery Design'; 'Up Close and Personal: Wallace Chan and His Philosophy of Beauty' and 'Introduction to Curating' etc. Go to the official website for more details.
Other highlights at the exhibitions
Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan
Period: 14 - 25 January 2019
Time: 10:30am - 5pm
Location: 22nd Floor Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Admission: Free