Exquisite Jewellery and Sculptures Unveiled at Christie’s King Street
In a dazzling display of creativity, innovation, and artistic brilliance, Christie’s proudly presents “The Wheel of Time,” a monumental exhibition featuring the exquisite work of Wallace Chan, a distinguished Chinese jewellery creator, visual artist, and innovator. This awe-inspiring showcase, set to take place at Christie’s King Street headquarters in London from September 4th to 10th, 2023, is set to be the largest exhibition of Chan’s work in Europe to date, offering an immersive journey through five decades of art creation.
Through a mesmerizing collection of 150 meticulously crafted jewellery pieces and six titanium sculptures, “The Wheel of Time” delves into Chan’s remarkable career, reflecting on pivotal moments that have shaped his artistic journey. Chan’s creations transcend conventional boundaries, embodying the perfect fusion of traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary innovation.
The heart of the exhibition beats with a deep reverence for the passage of time and the intricacies of artistic creation. A visual manifestation of Chan’s labor-intensive process, each piece on display attests to his unwavering commitment to detail and the devotion he pours into every facet of his work.
A showstopper among the treasures is the legendary “Legend of the Colour Black,” a breathtaking black diamond shoulder brooch sculpture. This magnificent piece features an awe-inspiring center stone, one of the largest known cut black diamonds in the world, weighing a staggering 312.24 carats. The diamond is complemented by silver grey diamonds, crystal sapphire, black agate, and the innovative Wallace Chan Porcelain – a material that Chan spent years refining, making it five times stronger than steel.
Another jewel that graces this grand exposition is “The Joy of Life” brooch. This intricate masterpiece showcases one of Chan’s most beloved motifs, a captivating butterfly, adorned with pink sapphire, sapphire, tsavorite garnet, diamond, yellow diamond, pearl, and titanium. Each element harmoniously coalesces to create a symphony of colors and textures that celebrate the beauty of life.
François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe, eloquently captures the essence of Chan’s creations, stating, “A deeply philosophical man, Wallace infuses his jewels with Oriental spiritualism. This is the motif which he spends his entire creative life interpreting and reinterpreting, experimenting with endless combinations of gemstones, mediums, styles, aesthetics, and executed in his world-renowned techniques.”
Mei Y Giam, Christie’s Private Sales Director for Jewellery, expresses her delight, “We are delighted to bring Wallace Chan’s imagination to London and present this unique exhibition celebrating five decades of artistic excellence. Our fifth collaboration with Chan reaffirms Christie’s longstanding relationship with the artist, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition.”
The creative genius behind this unparalleled exhibition, Wallace Chan himself, shares his gratitude and reflections, stating, “In the blink of an eye, half a century has flown by. I am humbled by the opportunity to present my largest exhibition in Europe at Christie’s in London. My heartfelt thanks go to Christie’s for supporting my creative journey throughout the years and across the globe. I am also grateful to my long-term collectors for loaning the pieces, without their friendship the exhibition would not be possible. Time is an eternal wheel that rotates for infinity with neither beginning nor end. In the creative process, time is a theme so intangible, yet omnificent.”
Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie’s, adds, “Christie’s is committed to supporting great artists and the evolution of their work. We hope collectors and art enthusiasts around the world will be enriched by this rare retrospective of Wallace Chan.”
As the European premiere of this exceptional exhibition approaches, anticipation grows for the unveiling of “The Wheel of Time.” This event promises to be a celebration of creativity, artistry, and the timeless essence of Wallace Chan’s masterful creations. With its fusion of tradition and innovation, it is a testament to the eternal wheel of time, forever spinning and inspiring artistic evolution.
