The young and soft-spoken Fan In Kuan could be mistaken for a teenager, but don’t be deceived by her looks. Her skillful hands have mastered the art of sculpture even when it is often associated with heavy industrial nature, which has made it a relatively masculine medium.
Fresh from her educational journey in Taiwan, she has returned home to showcase her artwork in a meaningful solo exhibition at Art for All in Macau Art Garden. After carefully crafting a total of 13 sculptures mostly made of stone and metal, using marble, granite, stainless steel and copper, Fan feels surreal that her passion has culminated into creative pieces that she can truly be proud of.
What was the inspiration behind this newly launched exhibition? And what does it try to invoke?
As described in the Chinese title of the collection, from a feminine perspective sculpture can be considered soft and flexible, and it is also a proof of the body and its labor. Flexible depth refers to the textures while crafting the sculptures. The inspiration is drawn from the linear forms that are related to our daily lives and what we realistically face every day are both the hardness and softness of our journey. Those emotions and reflections can be harnessed from these artworks.
How do you feel about your artwork finally being showcased?
It’s a great reminder of how valuable hard work is. It’s the sense of fulfillment to me that brings out joy. Working on this exhibition has given me a sense of realization and direction of my artistic life. It helped me become more passionate with my sense of being. It has enabled me to focus on what I truly want to do even after this exhibition.
Do you have a favorite piece from the whole collection?
One that stands out is the piece about the sentimental fruit. It’s an apple and the concept was rooted from the beginning of man, that of Adam and Eve and how emotions and sensitivity originated. Many of the other artworks are related to my childhood and my experiences here in Macau and all are valuable to me.
What do you love most about Macau?
I have many childhood memories of Macau. I have really colorful memories. I love the lights of Macau both the twinkling of the old buildings and the dazzling of the new structures.
What advice would you give to anyone visiting Macau?
I would definitely recommend a visit to the churches which are UNESCO heritage sites. The mixed culture of Chinese and Portuguese is an interesting aspect of Macau and I would advise trying the local cuisine. The development is very fast in Macau and it would be good to try a taste of everything.
Fan’s artworks are currently on display at Macau Art Garden. The entrance is free and the gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday (12:00pm to 7:00pm) and closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Flexible Depth by Fan In Kuan AFA Gallery, 1st Floor, Art Garden, Avenida Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues N. 265, Macau
