Luis Chan (1905-1995) was a notable artist born in Panama who later moved to Hong Kong. He was a self-taught painter known for his imaginative fantasy watercolor works that often blended elements of surrealism and Chinese culture. Chan has never received any formal training from art schools; he only took the correspondence course from the Press Art School in London in 1927. Since then, Chan has occupied himself in artistic experimentation and creation. As far back as early 1930s, his watercolor and oil paintings were highly esteemed in the Hong Kong art circle. On top of his fine skills acquired from many years of experience in sketching from life, Chan experimented a wide range of artistic techniques, art styles, and medium. In the early 1960s, Chan created works based on Cubism, Surrealism, and Suprematism. Later on, in the 1970s Chan concentrated on spray painting, collage, and Chinese ink art. His paintings are in style of his own, they manifest the simplicity of a child-like innocence yet vividly captured the human feeling of joy, anger, grief, and pleasure.
Chan played an active role in promoting art and creativity in Hong Kong; in 1953, he established the "Luis Chan's Studio" where he shared his knowledge and experience in painting with eager learners. Chan was also active in writing articles and books on art subjects. Making him a remarkable art educator.
M+ houses Luis Chan's paintings, works on paper, ink art, drawing, and collage in the museum collection.
都市山海經 : 陳福善88 回顧大展 = Luis Chan : urban geography.
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