Alan Chan Yau-kin, a renowned designer with accolades spanning five decades, is poised to unveil a striking collection of over 800 artifacts, offering the public a glimpse into his life’s passions and influences. This diverse collection, accumulated throughout his illustrious career encompassing graphic, spatial, and advertising design as well as visual art and brand consultancy, reflects his eclectic taste and profound appreciation for design.
The upcoming exhibition, “Alan Chan: Collecting Inspiration for Design,” mirrors his 2022 book that bore the same name. The book, beautifully penned by Catherine Shaw, a seasoned architecture and design writer, delves deep into Chan’s avid passion for collecting. It also elucidates his innovative design techniques, aptly capturing his distinctive stance on balancing tradition with modernity.
Among the artifacts showcased in the book are over 1,000 intriguing items, ranging from historical treasures like 19th-century silverware and an ornate chinoiserie hand fan, to modern masterpieces like artworks by celebrated artists Damien Hirst and Zao Wou-ki. Moreover, vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, Kyoto’s intricate lacquer bento boxes, age-old books, prints, and many more emphasize the Asian essence of the collection, albeit with a global touch.
Chan’s rich assortment includes a unique book titled “The Costume of China,” encompassing hand-crafted lithographs by John Dadley. This gem provides an 18th-century Western viewpoint on daily Chinese life. The meticulous portrayal of clothing, traditions, and anthropological data has been invaluable to Chan, particularly during the creation of packaging designs for the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.
Chan’s journey into the world of collecting began in his twenties during the 1970s. As a young adult hailing from a financially constrained family, he initially gravitated towards affordable items he stumbled upon in flea markets or on the streets – items like old newspapers, stamps, and postcards. As his career progressed and his design company established its roots in the 1980s, Chan began venturing into more upscale acquisitions such as antiques, sculptures, and fine art from global auctions and art dealers.
Phillips’ new Asia headquarters in West Kowloon will host Chan’s exhibition, showcasing his creations divided into three thematic chambers: “Joy of Collecting”, “Joy of Creating”, and “Joy of Curating”. While the initial two chambers give viewers a straightforward understanding, the final chamber replicates the ambiance of Salon 27, Chan’s exclusive private art space in Quarry Bay, which symbolizes his deep-rooted appreciation for art, culture, and design.
Concluding on his life-long passion, Chan emphasizes the intimate bond between collecting and creativity, believing the two continuously feed off each other. For him, the physical interaction with an object in today’s digital age inspires profound connections, allowing him to channel the wisdom from the past.
READ MORE: