In recent years, more and more galleries have settled in Wong Chuk Hang, making this area full of industrial buildings a popular art district on Hong Kong Island outside of Central and Wan Chai. Recently, a new gallery announced its arrival in Wong Chuk Hang, focusing on contemporary art – SENS Gallery! The gallery had a grand opening in late September, showcasing the first solo exhibition of British artist David Surman, titled “Portraits of a Wild Family,” marking the gallery’s debut exhibition!
The “Wild Family” exhibition includes a total of 34 works, allowing viewers to see the fantastical wilderness world created by the artist and to rethink the world through nature. David Surman’s experience of living in the British countryside has had a profound impact on his work. He excels in using playful and natural ways to present animals and their habitats, with these wild natural landscapes serving as a mirror reflecting human lifestyles.
David Surman studied animation during his university years, which has given his artistic works a fluid narrative quality. Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and Yoshitomo Nara, his characters are lively and sometimes exude a tranquil charm. Translating his keen observations of humanity into simple and casual drawings, his animals, on the other hand, carry profound meanings, often surrounded by mystery or loneliness, even attempting to escape the canvas.
右：David Surman, 《Wandering Beauty》, 2022 年 亞加力及炭筆油畫 160 x 140 厘米
右：David Surman, 《The Prodigal Son》, 2022 年 亞加力及炭筆油畫 160 x 140 厘米
The bold brushstrokes and freely splattered paint in the artist’s work evoke the speed and inner improvisational power of Picasso and de Kooning. The relaxed and pure brushstrokes accompanied by flowing colors allow viewers to feel the breath and rhythm within the artwork. Furthermore, inspired by Zen and Taoism, David Surman cleverly juxtaposes prominent figures with blank backgrounds, implying a contemplation of stillness and movement, existence and emptiness, reflecting his artistic insight.
The entire “Wild Family” exhibition runs through a humorous and relaxed tone, David Surman’s work aims to reach the public in a childlike style, encouraging the younger generation to appreciate and create art, breaking down the distance between art and viewers.
After the first exhibition, SENS Gallery will showcase works from five international female artists in late autumn, including Jess Xiaoyi Han, Kora Moya Rojo, Natalia Juncadella, Sally Jerome, and Sara Bonache. They will use natural landscapes such as plants and flowers as the main theme to present the adaptability and vitality of nature in the exhibition. Stay tuned!
David Surman solo exhibition “Portraits of a Wild Family”
Date: From now until October 22, 2022 (excluding Sundays and public holidays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Room 08, 19th floor, Landmark South, Wong Chuk Hang
Image source and learn more: SENS Gallery
