After the opening of Fosun’s new Asian headquarters in the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong, they have actively brought different exhibitions to art enthusiasts. Recently, they held the first solo exhibition in Asia for American artist Brett Crawford, titled “WAST3D POT3NTIAL”, showcasing a series of new canvas and sculpture works created by the artist. On the opening day, Brett himself also visited the exhibition in Hong Kong, and we took the opportunity to learn about the ideas behind these works and his creative story.
Brett Crawford’s previous works have covered painting, sculpture, design, and street murals, combining art, fashion, and street culture. The reason why his works can stand out in the contemporary art scene is because the artist is skilled at using imagery and surreal settings from fairy tales to narrate, giving the works a higher level of storytelling and visual appeal. In each painting that incorporates elements of fairy tales, he adds various resonant pop elements, not only making people more interested in discovering the stories within, but also closely connecting with contemporary cultural context. Brett intentionally adds some fashion elements to the characters in the paintings, such as well-known brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton, with the aim of establishing a stronger connection with the audience through fashion and popular culture.
In Brett Crawford’s dreamlike creative world, it may be hard to imagine that he once had a difficult upbringing. Brett grew up in a violent and sinful environment, with an absent father figure, and he had once gone astray. However, he later found a new life through artistic creation. In this exhibition, he uses his iconic character, Pinocchio, to narrate personal memories and emotions, and to share the power contained within with a wider audience.
Although he had an unfortunate childhood, the bitterness and despair he experienced in the past nourished his current creations and strengthened his confidence in pursuing art. In his seminal work “Wasted Potential,” the artist symbolically portrays a puppet breaking free from the strings that once controlled him, confidently and humbly stepping onto the stage and bowing to the audience. Brett jokingly compares himself today, bringing his work here to introduce his creations to the Hong Kong audience.
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Another highlighted work on display, “Mind Control,” features the recurring theme of whales in the artist’s work. In the story of the puppet, the protagonist fights against the whale to save his father, showcasing how Pinocchio achieves victory through courage and a spirit of adventure. In the work “Confidence,” the small boy in the painting, though tiny, reflects a powerful figure like Batman. The artist intends to convey the message that everyone is braver and stronger than they imagine.
Brett shared with us one of his favorite works, “Rotation.” The artwork depicts elements such as puppets, whales, and goldfish walking in a circular motion on the canvas. He says, “As long as we keep moving forward, everyone can create their own life.” The artist’s own experiences are the best proof of this. His past experiences have shaped who he is today, and he hopes to tell his life story through his artwork, as well as inspire others to find strength in it.
Brett Crawford “WAST3D POT3NTIAL” Exhibition and Sale
Date: From now until June 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Fuyi Asia Headquarters, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong, 8 Austin Road West, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Building, G/F
Exhibition details: Click here
