Unveiling Alan Chan’s creative odyssey at Phillips Asia Headquarters

Phillips Asia Headquarters, nestled in the heart of West Kowloon in Hong Kong, is all set to provide a deep dive into the creative universe of acclaimed Hong Kong artist and designer Alan Chan. From August 12 to 27, the exhibition “Alan Chan: Collecting Inspiration for Design,” will unravel the influences and inspirations that have shaped Chan's multifaceted career spanning five decades.

Over 800 meticulously amassed objects, a testament to Chan's relentless collecting passion, are on display. These pieces, an extension of his recent Rizzoli publication, serve as a physical narrative, weaving together the intricacies of his artistic journey.

Chan's expansive body of work is an intricate dance across disciplines, from advertising, graphic and spatial designs to visual art. His creative odyssey is segmented into three themed chambers, inviting visitors to embark on an immersive exploration of his creative process.

The first chamber, “Joy of Collecting,” is a treasure trove of over 500 diverse pieces that Chan has unearthed from flea markets, art fairs and auction houses across Hong Kong, China, Japan and Europe. This assemblage evokes the labyrinthine charm of Hong Kong's bustling streets and alleys, enchanting visitors with a sense of discovery.

In the second chamber, “Joy of Creating,” visitors are privy to Chan's artistic pursuits that extend beyond his commercial works. Various art pieces created in different media are showcased, offering a glimpse into Chan's creative spirit and his signature design philosophy — “Oriental Passion Western Harmony.”

The final chamber, “Joy of Curating,” encapsulates Chan's unique artistic vision and lifestyle. Here, he recreates the immersive experience of his private art space, SALON 27, fostering an atmosphere where art, design, and culture converge.

Audio guides, including Karena Lam, Gigi Leung, Wong Chi Chung, and Tina Liu, will guide visitors through Chan's journey, providing a deeper understanding of his creative process.

The accompanying Rizzoli book, also titled “Alan Chan: Collecting Inspiration for Design”, provides further insight into Chan's inspirations and influences. The book is a compilation of his works and collections, part autobiography and part reflection on creativity, providing a valuable resource for both new and established designers.

Born in 1950 in Hong Kong, Chan has been a force in the design world for over half a century. His “Oriental Passion Western Harmony” design philosophy has garnered international recognition and has influenced a generation of young designers. Chan has created over 1,000 brands and won more than 600 design awards with his company.

Since 2000, he has ventured into fine arts, exhibiting his works in various countries and being twice selected for the Shanghai Biennale. In 2017, he was honored as the World's Outstanding Chinese Designer by the Hong Kong Design Centre. His works are part of collections in major institutions worldwide.

Read also: “As the boy, so the man — Kazumasa Nagai's first-ever retrospective in Hong Kong”