Hong Kong interdisciplinary artist David Chan Tsze-wei invites you to question the very foundations of understanding with his solo exhibition “Do You Know - David Chan - Do You Know?”.
Opening November 15 at Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Pao Galleries, this thought-provoking showcase spans 50 years of Chan’s artistic evolution, featuring contemporary calligraphy, cinematic storyboards, and pandemic-born “Ice Paintings”.
At the heart of this showcase lies a profound exploration of knowledge, empathy and human connection. Each piece transforms the viewer’s reflective question: What does “knowing” truly mean?.
Drawing on the insights of scholars Fitzsimons and Anderson, Chan posits the true understanding is not innate but forged through interactions and shared experiences that build bridges to our inner worlds.
Meanwhile, blank strokes transform into frozen frames and melting inks, blurring life, time, and nature, echoing Chinese philosopher Xu Fuguan’s vitalism and Daoist formlessness.
At the core of the exhibition are three pivotal axes that immerse visitors in their own understanding. The first axis, “David Chan – Contemplating Oneself: Does David Chan Understand?”, highlights personal reflections through 1970s ink experiments and sketches.
These works reveal the artist’s blend of emotion and nature, emphasizing the endless journey of self-discovery.
The second axis, “The Audience – Do You Understand David Chan?”, shifts the focus to viewer interaction. Here, immersive pieces weave a tapestry of personal interpretations, encouraging emotional connections and fostering a deeper understanding of the artwork.
Finally, the third axis, “David Chan and the Audience: Do We ‘Know’? What is ‘Knowing’?”, promotes communal meaning-making through various activities such as lectures, tours and ice painting workshops.
This interactive approach emphasizes co-creation in the pursuit of knowledge, inviting participants to engage actively with the themes of the exhibition.
Exhibition Information:
November 15 to December 6, 2025
10am - 7pm
4/F and 5/F, Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai
