The Transformative Influence of “The Poetics of Space” on Hong Kong Artist Tap Chan

In her transformative encounter with Gaston Bachelard‘s seminal work, “The Poetics of Space” (1958), Hong Kong contemporary artist Tap Chan recounts the profound impact it had on her artistic journey. Chan, known for her captivating sculptures, installations, and video creations, elucidates how the book revolutionized her perception of architectural forms and the emotional resonance they possess. Reflecting on her experience, she highlights Bachelard’s call for architects to prioritize the human experience when designing spaces, as these structures play a pivotal role in shaping cultural perspectives.

Having acquired the book during her studies at the Hong Kong Art School in collaboration with RMIT, Chan initially postponed delving into its contents until after completing her bachelor’s degree. The recommendation of one of her lecturers spurred her curiosity, leading her to finally engage with the text. Subsequently, Chan discovered a profound shift in her observations of her own living environment. Bachelard’s prose prompted her to contemplate the imaginative dimensions of familiar spaces, from the intimate corners of her home to the expansive vistas beyond her windows.

Enamored by Bachelard’s poetic exploration of spaces, Chan’s artistic sensibilities underwent a transformative evolution. No longer neglecting the minutiae of her surroundings, she attentively examined every intricate detail. Recounting her personal experiences, Chan recollects her former living arrangements, sharing the shift from a shared room with her sister, where bunk beds created a confined space just above the ceiling, to her current living situation with her partner, where an ultra-low bed grants ample room between the mattress and the ceiling.

Particularly captivated by a chapter titled “The Corner,” Chan discovered a wellspring of inspiration for her artwork, an inspiration that continues to guide her to this day. The concept of a corner, as Bachelard expounds upon, provides an intriguing architectural space that exudes a sense of security and sanctuary. By positioning oneself in a corner, a person gains the reassurance of a solid backing, shielded from potential threats. Chan found that the interplay of privacy and public presence within corners stimulated her creative endeavors. Many of her artworks now find their home in these corner areas, leveraging the multidimensionality offered by the adjoining walls to present her creations from various angles. This distinctive perspective imbues her art with newfound richness and enables viewers to experience her pieces in novel ways.

Bachelard’s influential treatise also kindled Chan’s contemplation of site-specific artworks and their inherent relationship with the surrounding space. Channeling her understanding gained from the book, she now considers how her art interacts and communicates with its designated environment. The profound impact of “The Poetics of Space” on Chan’s artistic philosophy is evident in her continued engagement with the text. Frequently revisiting its pages, she finds solace in the diverse perspectives that emerge with each reading, influenced by her evolving stages of life.

Tap Chan’s artistic journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of Gaston Bachelard’s ideas. By engaging with the emotional dimension of architecture and encouraging a poetic examination of space, Bachelard’s work continues to inspire artists like Chan, urging them to perceive their surroundings with fresh eyes and create artworks that forge profound connections between people and the spaces they inhabit.

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