But there is really an aspect of his creative career that I admire. Boldness? Uncomprising attitude or aggressiveness? Not really certain but sort of close when seeing his masterpieces such as the titanic-like Guggenheim Bilbao. Uncontestably it is a stunning piece on one hand and a highly contextual piece on the other hand. Its form reminds people of the ship-building root of the Bilbao city. Either because of this or the numerous materpieces housed inside it, it has succeeded in creating a cultural mecca or else a modern myth that constantly draws visitors to this once lesser known Spanish city.
Last Friday night, I finally had the chance to listen to someone from the office of Gehry Partners. Edwin Chan, who worked with Gehry on many terrific projects like the Guggenheim Bilbao, the Weisman Museum, the Corcoran etc., has a Hong Kong origin indeed. One of the reasons for his early departure from HK at the age of 13 or so, according to him, is the absence of any museum or cultural institution alike in HK at that time. A lack of inspiration here nurtured another big fish elsewhere. A living example of "limitations create motivations". Hong Kong, you are the best of places, you are the worst of places.
A most touching remark from Edwin: from time to time he'll go back to Guggenheim Bilbao as though the museum itself were a good old friend or a family member of his.
Today many artists don't even bother to take another glance of their work right after (or even earlier than) its launch. No comment here.
You can still be great if you got a talent. But if you got a talent and a big heart, your artwork will certain glow from within. That's what I believe when seeing Edwin show his final slide with himself smiling in front of the museum giant in the golden glow of sunlight. That's a precise statement of a man's allegiance to his own passion.
Friends we really have to love the arts we create or help to create. Artworks gonna cry if their creators abandon them in a split second.
2 comments:
I guess it is the same in Korea as well...talented people fly away to US or Europe simply because they are so frustrated by the lact of inspiration or artistic satisfaction in Korea.
It really is sad that the general public whether in HK or in Korea cares little or none about art and culture. I guess it is understandable...people(including me)are trying to make ends meet and struggle everyday...maybe at the end of the day they are too tired...
I just hope people will enjoy the sensation that I get when I see great art! It makes all your fatigue goe away...almost...^-^
PS: It is always a pleasure to read your writing. ^-^
In HK as in Korea, I think the situations are gradually improving - at least we have more public/private/alternative art spaces than 10 or 20 years ago.
More HK or Asian artists / architects / designers are making international presence.
Sometimes it's been even more difficult to be an amateur or part-time artists. Creative imagination needs moments of meditation or otherworldliness.
P.S. Thanks I am glad that you become my reader and share inpiring comments with me on different topics.
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