Wallace Chan's Titanium Sculptures Fuse Christianity and Buddhism at Venice Biennale

At the 2024 Venice Biennale, Wallace Chan presents 'Transcendence' at the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, completing a trilogy begun in 2021 with 'TITANS: A dialogue between materials, space and time.' The exhibition features four titanium sculptures suspended from the chapel ceiling, arranged to suggest a transition from conflict to tranquility. The first piece appears grotesque, like a contorted face or skull, with another face inside its mouth symbolizing introspection. The second sculpture shows up to eight faces, referencing Greek mythology and the Titans. The third suggests a spiral universe, urging kindness and wisdom beyond physical reality. The fourth depicts a tulip, representing the cycle of life and Christian resurrection. On the chapel altar, two statues of Buddha and Christ have swapped faces: Christ sits in a Buddhist pose with a swastika on his chest, while Buddha bears a heart and a small cross. Brian Eno's music, chosen by Chan for its resemblance to Tibetan experiences, enhances the peaceful atmosphere.