"Eternal Connections: Metalworks Unveiled by Master Liu Wing Sheung and Fanson Lam"
Exhibition Period -
June 29 (Sat), 2024 - August 03 (Sat), 2024
Location -
Crafts on Peel, Central, Hong Kong
Image and Word Credit : CRAFTS ON PEEL
In partnership with Crafts on Peel, a local non-profit charitable foundation committed to reviving, reinterpreting and perpetuating traditional crafts in a modern artistic context, Vacheron Constantin is pleased to announce the launch of their latest joint-exhibition in celebration of artistry and heritage, "Eternal Connections: Metalworks Unveiled” featuring traditional craftsman Master Liu Wing Sheung and contemporary artisan Fanson Lam. The exhibition, held at Crafts on Peel, will showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic collaboration between two local artisans across generations: Master Liu, a revered casting master, and his apprentice, Fanson Lam, an aspiring sculptor.
While exciting new artworks created by Master Liu Wing Sheung and his apprentice Fanson Lam, will be on display for the first time, the joint-exhibition will take guests on a poetic journey to highlight the two artisans across generations, their profound bonding and their inspiring artisanship, with a nod to Hong Kong’s local cultural lineage in tea, flora and fragrance through the realm of metalworks, where imagination and materialization intertwine.
SILENT TIMEKEEPER
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
"Silent Timekeeper" is an incense burner created by Fanson Lam that masterfully blends traditional Chinese culture withcontemporary artistry. Inspired by the aesthetic principles of Chinese bonsai andan auspicious motif of "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," the work takes theform of a meticulously crafted bronze tree.The intertwining branches, reminiscent of adragon's sinuous form, bring the mythical creature to life. Breaking free from theconstraints of traditional bonsai, the design incorporates dragon scalesinspired by the logo of Vacheron Constantin. adding a unique touch. As theincense burns, a gentle wisp of smoke ascends from the openwork, creating an ethereal atmosphere that immerses theviewer in a symphony of art and tradition.
THE CYPRESS'S WHISPER
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
“Nature is the grandest of sculptors, inspiring us to embrace its gifts as the wellspring of our creative endeavors."
For many years, Master Liu has dedicated himself to the art of casting, often taking leisurely strolls near his workshop, drawing inspiration from the natural world around him. Fallen leaves and branches have become
cherished materials for his creations.
This particular piece, inspired by Master Liu’s beloved cypress tree, features his weathered hands transformed into rich, fertile soil, where the branches of the cypress take root and flourish, symbolizing the enduring spirit of
resilience in the face of adversity. The work embodies Master Master Liu heartfelt wishes for all, conveying his inner kindness and blessings through the exquisite artistry that has been his life's work.
THE LEGACY OF TIME
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
“The Legacy of Time” metaphorically represents the master's hand as the trunk of a tree, taking the form of a family tree.
The tree branch held by Master Liu represents the casting spout which aids in the transfer of molten metal within the casting process. The branches are connected to different "fruits", including the tools used in the sculpting process and the sculptures created by the master and his apprentice, embodying the experiences, memories and unique expertise he has accumulated over six decades of casting. The work also symbolizes Master Liu's dedication to passing on his craft and skills to his apprentice, Fanson Lam.
Under Master Liu's tireless guidance for over a decade, Fanson Lam has thrived and flourished, akin to the seedling nurtured in the artwork under Master Liu's attentive care.
TRIBUTE
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
This ensemble of bronze sculptures exquisitely portrays the profound bond of mentorship that has spanned twelve years between Master Liu and Fanson Lam. The six intertwined hands symbolize the enduring spirit of knowledge and craft passed down through generations, a testament to the continuity of tradition.
The work begins by depicting the initial encounter between Master Liu and Fanson Lam. Master Liu, a seasoned master of bronze casting, and Fanson Lam, a sculptor, each possessed unique skills and expertise in their respective crafts. Serendipitously, their paths crossed, leading them to collaborate and exchange ideas.
As time unfolded, Master Liu generously imparted his knowledge of casting and wax carving to Fanson, while the apprentice, in turn, shared his sculptural vision with the master, fostering a mutually supportive relationship. Within this collection, Master Liu’s hands serve as a cradle for the sculptor's creative process, nurturing Fanson’s artistic conceptualization.
Each pair of hands has been meticulously crafted, expressing the pursuit of detail and the commitment to carrying on the craft shared by these two generations.
ETERNAL ILLUMINATION:
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
Inspired by the wisdom of the 24 Solar Terms, the artwork, "Eternal Illumination: A Journey Through Time", draws inspiration from the timeless concept of the sundial—a device that has guided humanity in measuring the passage of time through the dance of sunlight. The 24 Solar Terms are the crystallization of ancient Chinese wisdom. They embody our observations of nature and the awareness of time. The sundial, an ancient and timeless instrument, holds a profound significance in the realm of timekeeping. It stands as a symbol of our connection to the cosmos, a testament to humanity's tireless pursuit of measuring time and capturing its fleeting essence.
The ancient craft of Lost Wax Casting, employed in the
creation of this installation, is a traditional craft with a history that can be traced back thousands of years. It involves pouring molten metal into plaster molds, created by lost wax casting, resulting in a final work that is unique and meticulously detailed.
Yet, it is the play of light and shadow that truly breathes life into "Eternal Illumination." By embracing various angles and textures, the installation orchestrates a mesmerizing display of luminosity and darkness. This interplay not only enhances the immersive journey but also symbolizes the ever-changing nature of time, much like the shifting rays of the sun as it traverses the sky.
The "Eternal Illumination" installation stands as a testament to the skill and finesse of Vacheron Constantin. Its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship showcase a deep reverence for heritage and tradition. It transcends its role as a mere art installation or visual merchandising piece. It represents Vacheron Constantin's unwavering dedication to
craftsmanship, heritage and innovation. It is a testament to the preservation of traditional artistry while embracing visionary design concepts. This installation epitomizes the timeless ethos of Vacheron Constantin — an eternal brilliance that illuminates the world for all to behold.
LUNAR LUSTER
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze and Tin
Craft Techniques : Casting and Sculpting
The "Lunar Luster" series draws inspiration from the tea ceremony of the Song Dynasty. This set of four bronze teacups coated with tin not only showcases Fanson’s masterful skills as a sculptor, but also conveys a yearning for the refined spirit of the literati, embodied in the phrase "to cultivate a tranquil mind and pursue a far-reaching vision." Tinware, with its excellent heat conductivity, perfectly preserves the temperature and rich flavor of the tea.
This set of teacups, themed "Water and Moon," is atestament to Fanson’s meticulous craftsmanship. Each cup is intricately carved with delicate moon crater patterns. The texture of the cups evokes the captivating surface of the moon, while the interplay of light and shadow created by the carvings adds depth and dimension to each piece, transforming them into tranquil moonlit landscapes.
PRIVATE COLLECTION from Master Liu Wing Sheung and Fanson Lam
Dreamscape
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting
Year : 2018
This pair of captivating bronze sculptures boldly blends traditional techniques with the innovative possibilities of modern technology. Master Liu’s fascination with the natural world and his boundless imagination are evident in this remarkable creation.
By breaking away from the traditional casting method, he created the intricate spikes on the cactus. This masterpiece demonstrates the craftsman's dedication to the art of casting.
He has ingeniously juxtaposed the natural form of a cactus with a whimsical concept, envisioning the terrestrial plant as a branch and the marine sea urchin as its base, a captivating metaphor for the interconnectedness of land and sea.
The Knotted Gun
Traditional Craftsman: Master Liu Wing Sheung
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Casting
Year : 2003
| Before you stands not merely an object, but a vessel imbued with heartfelt meaning. |
This is not a weapon, but a bronze sculpture crafted by Master Liu Wing Sheung, using the ancient lost wax casting technique. Its intricate details and unique form reveal the artisan’s pursuit of beauty and his yearning for peace.
Inspired by the poignant imagery of war, Master Liu’s desire for peace blossomed. The knot on the gun's barrel symbolizes the end of conflict and the arrival of harmony. With his masterful skill, he has fused the coldness of war with the warmth of peace, transforming this bronze object into a timeless work of art. He has brought hope to life, translating abstract concepts into tangible form.
This "Gun" is not merely a piece of art, but a testament to the artisan’s fervent wish for peace and his celebration of life.
Anchor
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze and Iron
Craft Techniques : Sculpting and Casting
Year : 2024
This bronze sculpture presents a captivating spectacle of a figure suspended in mid-air. The figure's ethereal levitation is achieved through a sinuous, intertwined bronze band connecting the sculpture's base to the figure itself.
This band evokes the umbilical cord linking mother and child, a symbol of life and nurture. It also mirrors the essential "spout" – the vital conduit for molten metal in the casting process – that forms the very essence of the bronze sculpture. Alternatively, one might envision this band as a cosmic tether, connecting an astronaut to their spacecraft, guiding them towards the boundless reaches of the unknown.
The figure's graceful, floating pose, intertwined with the intricate bronze band, creates a dynamic and powerful composition. This artwork invites contemplation, prompting viewers to delve into its profound symbolism.
Bow
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze and Iron
Craft Techniques : Sculpting and Casting
Year : 2024
"Bow" is a work by Fanson Lam that presents a humble attitude toward life through exquisite craftsmanship. The piece features two figures, connected by two bronze rods, creating a profound allegorical scene.
The larger figure, with a slight nod and bowed head, conveying humility and reverence. In contrast, the smaller figure has its hands raised to the sky, as if receiving power from afar. The focus of the artwork is on the figures positioned on the sculptural pedestal, expressing the nuanced interplay between humans and the universe. Fanson Lam uses a minimalist form, yet conveys deep philosophical ideas that provoke the viewer to ponder the meanings of life and art.
Karma
Contemporary Artisan : Fanson Lam
Medium : Bronze
Craft Techniques : Sculpting and Casting
Year : 2016
Karma is leaving, almost falling off like a piece of leaf.
Hanging on the thin branch, shivering.
The sentimentality has been halted
when it becomes a sculpture.
Exciting is for the beginning of an end.
Seeing the place it was hanging onto,
I sculpted its stillness into a better representation.