Wing Chan is a native of Hong Kong, but pursued art studies in the United States. After graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he began a career in commercial design. Through his graphic and branding firm he represented several big clients, including Giorgio Armani, American Express Private Bank and Standard Chartered Private Bank.
Chan, who was recently in Bangkok for “Prosaic vs. Profound,” his photomontage exhibit at La Lanta Fine Art Gallery, discussed his career and artwork with Coconuts.
Coconuts Bangkok: You grew up in poverty but became very successful doing commercial design, working with some very high profile companies. How does that inform your work and art?
Wing Chan: I grew up near the Kowloon Walled City, one of the city-state’s roughest neighborhoods and home to the old airport in Hong Kong. I worked as a child laborer at the age of five. I was surrounded by poor working-class people who struggled just to survive.
Having worked as a child laborer at such a young age, I learned how to work as part of a team, to appreciate teamwork, be practical with my resources and time, and to treasure people and things in life. That philosophy really helps my work and art.
Though I grew up in a chaotic and low-life environment, I managed to find happiness and beauty around me. I enjoy observing both the textures found in the slums, and in the stories of people’s lives.
When I create and work on my concepts and photomontages, I apply the same philosophy, I observe, I talk to people, and I merge images of neglected architecture, commerce and waste with a modern aesthetic that frees the content from its original utility to reveal extraordinary beauty and emotion.
CB: Have you always been involved with non-commercial projects, or does your current exhibition reflect a new direction for you?
WC: I have always been involved with non-commercial projects: from art, design, writing or coaching design students at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City), whenever I can. It is good to share and give back to society. It is a two-way street, as much as I pass on my experience to others, they inspire me as well.
For sure, my current exhibition at La Lanta Fine Art reflects a new direction, a new identity as a fine artist.
CB: What is the relationship between fine arts and commercial design?
WC: The relationship between fine arts and commercial design is a close one. One can’t live / function with another. For example, I apply my design / branding experience into designing the catalog and invitation for my exhibition. When I presented my works to the gallery owner, the press, buyers, and audience, I was working in commercial design.
Fine arts rely on commercial design for promotion. In the meantime, high end or conceptual commercial design applies fine arts to promote commercial sales. Ads looking like fine art can push the positioning of the product to the next level. Many high-end fashion designers or houses have crossover campaigns with artists.
CB: Could you tell me about the photomontage as an art form? What is it and why do you choose to work with it?
WC: When I was twelve, I took art classes from Michael Wong, a very well-respected photorealistic painter from Paris. He taught me how to do newspaper montages, and I fell in love with doing montages.
When I practiced commercial design, I often commissioned illustrators and photographers to come up with conceptual collages for my clients’ projects, which included annual reports, advertising campaigns, etc. I found that the montage was a very good way to tell a story.
That is why when I create my photomontages, I combine both photography and montages to express myself, tell stories and make statements about our lives, society and the environment. I distort and edit the images to add or subtract details, colors and aspects, including facets of gestural abstraction. I call this process “mystification of reality” because it creates an image that overtakes and goes beyond reality itself.
CB: Your exhibition is called “Prosaic versus Profound.” By prosaic, I assume you mean everyday and ordinary, which would seem to suggest then that the ordinary is at odds with the profound. What do you mean by this?
WC: If we pay attention to our environment, and treasure what we have, no matter where we go, we are able to find beauty in life. It all depends on one’s mindset.
CB: Many of the photomontages on display are titled “Metamorphosis ____”, but they’re comprised of objects in a state of ruin or decay. What idea are you trying to get across?
WC: Though my creation, I give ruined objects or decay a “Second Life.” With a positive attitude, everything is possible. Change is good. Everything and everyone has potential to improve and change.
CB: Currently you are based in Hong Kong. Why did you choose to display your work here in Bangkok?
WC: Owing to family issues, I am currently based in Hong Kong. However, my photomontages were shot worldwide. This is One World, One People.
I chose to exhibit my work in Bangkok because of the kind opportunity given me by La Lanta Fine Art. I also wanted to use my art to bridge Bangkok, Hong Kong and New York. And through this exhibition, to change the perception of most tourists about what Bangkok offers. It’s good to exchange ideas and cultures between cities and countries. Bangkok has an amazing traditional art and culture, and remarkable contemporary art and culture as well.
CB: What are your thoughts on the arts scene in Bangkok and Asia as a whole? What direction is it moving in?
WC: The arts scene is very lively in Bangkok. It is growing healthily and organically.
From commercial arts, such as hotels and condos, to restaurant design — they are world-class standards. Look at Greyhound Fashion and Greyhound Café, the new Siam Center, and Tenface Hotel.
The non-commercial arts scene is equally well developed. More galleries are opening and art activities are being held in Bangkok today.
People from around the world see Bangkok as more than the old Bangkok. Besides enjoying Bangkok’s famous hospitality, they also visit museums and art galleries.
Before I left Bangkok, I dropped by La Lanta Fine Art at 11:30am on a Tuesday morning. Three visitors from Australia and New Zealand made a special trip to view my exhibition at La Lanta Fine Art. It shows that visitors from around the world are expecting, and respecting, the arts scene in Bangkok.
You can contact Wing Chan about his photomontages at hwc2525@gmail.com. His exhibition will be on display at La Lanta Fine Art Gallery until March 7. Address: 245/14 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Klongtan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
