Greg Chann

Wok Hei : contemporary modern geometric sculpture

2024

New York based artist, Greg Chann lives and works in Brooklyn, having a studio at the infamous Brooklyn Navy Yard. Chann’s constructions are complex interwoven systems of physical elements varying in size, material, and color. These elements are joined in a multitude of points, metaphorically representing the dynamics and circuitry of life inspired by the idea of global connectivity. Chann takes inspiration from ancient Chinese Yin and Yang forces that may be contrary but prove to actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent. Buddhist mandalas and their representation of focal energies and metaphysical wholeness influenced his work. Chann provokes the viewer to take a visual journey, meandering in, out, and around the sculpture. His pieces are created with structure and discipline, the rigid compositions reminiscent of Mondrian’s paintings and De Stijl philosophy. Yet the liveliness and dynamic complexity is present in the bright Fauvists colors. Chann’s geometric designs are Bauhaus like – solid, clean, and deliberate, while at the same time defying the lack of sentiment that is often associated with the Bauhaus. Light becomes one of the primary components of his work. It is a constant creative collaborator providing Chann’s works with perpetual variant, color, and atmosphere. His acrylic colored forms possess not only nuances of soft translucent color and texture but also a reflective surface that evolves throughout the day. The shapes come alive, the steel wire offers a framework and structure echoing the compositions as well as establishing balance and weight. Among the numerous exhibitions Chann has had throughout his career are the ones at Denise Bibro Fine Art, NYC; Cold Air Fine Art, NYC; MUE Gallery, Los Anglees, CA; Dorsky Gallery, NYC; Margaret Thatcher Projects, NYC; The Drawing Center, NYC; Felissimo, NYC; Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, NY; University of Louisville Art Gallery, Louisville, KY, among many others. Chann’s work appeared in "The New Yorker", "NY Arts", "Time Out New York". Among his rewards are a NY Foundation of the Arts Fellowship, NY Foundations of the Arts/Felissimo Award. His artworks are a part of such collections as Peter Arnell/AG Worldwide, NYC; Galleri Bo Bjerggaard, Copenhagen, Demark; General Dynamics, Falls Church, VA; Georgia & Christopher Erck, San Antonio, TX; Arabella Kiesbauer Redaktion, Munich, Germany. Chann received his MA from Yale University, CT, and his BA from University of Louisville, KY.