Wallace Chan on His Two Concurrent Venice Exhibitions and the Cosmos in a Drop

During the 61st Venice Biennale, Wallace Chan is showcasing two exhibitions: 'Vessels of Other Worlds' at the Pietà Chapel and 'Mythos' at Scala Contarini del Bovolo. In a conversation with ArtAsiaPacific, Chan reflects on his evolution from traditional Chinese carving to creating large titanium sculptures, as well as his exploration of Buddhist philosophy and Western imagery. He highlights the historical significance of the Pietà Chapel, where Vivaldi composed The Four Seasons. Chan’s art delves into themes of transformation, inspired by Olea Sancta (sacred oils) through a three-part cycle of birth, growth, and rebirth. His unique Wallace Cut technique, established in 1987, features inverted images within materials. The exhibitions, which include androgynous figures with one-third-open eyes resembling falling droplets, will be on view until October 18 and are linked to a simultaneous display at the Long Museum in Shanghai via live video feeds.