3812 Gallery is honoured to announce the launch of the Hsiao Chin Archives, a significant milestone in the legacy of Hsiao Chin, the revered post-war Chinese abstract master. With the vision of establishing an exemplary archive, Hsiao Chin Archives dedicates to thoroughly documenting Hsiao Chin's contributions to abstract art and enhancing market recognition, understanding and celebrating Hsiao Chin's contributions to abstract art, fostering a deeper appreciation for his unique blend of Eastern philosophy and Western artistic practices.
The inaugural exhibition “The Light of Hope” opens on 7 November, which present a carefully selected collection of works from this foundational Spanish period (1956 -1959) alongside related archival materials, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of experiences that informed his creative vision.
Before his departure for Spain, Hsiao Chin 's ambition to explore avant-garde art began to take shape - his first iconic "Chinese Opera Characters" series resonates with the works of Henri Matisse. In 1956, a 21-year-old Hsiao Chin ventured to Madrid. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary artistic odyssey, where the young Chinese luminary immersed himself in a vibrant visual environment that inspired deep reflection. His artistic energy was revitalised through interactions with prominent figures of Arte Informel.
The exhibition include a series of ink works created in 1957, “Chinese Characters Composition” series created in 1958 to 1959, and a series of abstract works with symbolic import - all of which unveil the influence of European modernist masters on Hsiao Chin’s early works. The encounters not only fostered Hsiao Chin's deeper connection to the longstanding traditions of Chinese art, but also inspired him to draw from his own cultural heritage to establish a deeper dialogue with Western art. This ultimately culminated in his unique artistic language—a distinctive synthesis of Eastern spirit and Western abstraction.
Calvin Hui, Founder of the Hsiao Chin Archives and Co-founder and Chairman of 3812 Gallery, who also serves as the curator of this exhibition, stated:
“Hsiao Chin's time in Spain was a defining chapter that catalysed his artistic journey. By integrating modernist influences while remaining rooted in his cultural heritage, he crafted a unique artistic language that continues to inspire and resonate in contemporary art. Through his pioneering efforts, Hsiao Chin not only shaped his own legacy but also opened doors for future generations of artists, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western art.”
3812 Gallery, as Hsiao Chin’s representing gallery since 2016, has collaborated closely with the artist and the Hsiao Chin Art Foundation in recent years to organize international exhibitions and significant art collections each year. The creation of the Hsiao Chin Archives is a heartfelt tribute to this extraordinary artist. The mission focuses on preserving, documenting, researching, and promoting Hsiao Chin’s artistic heritage. We aim to achieve this through comprehensive documentation of his works, supporting scholarly research, and producing a definitive catalogue raisonnéof his oeuvre. This will also help support to carry out educational initiatives and foster collaborations worldwide in the future.
Ultimately, the Hsiao Chin Archives will act as a vibrant hub for exploring and appreciating Hsiao Chin's life and work, and we will regularly organize special thematic exhibitions and diverse programs. This initiative will also encompass ongoing efforts for digitising the Hsiao Chin Archives and making them accessible online, including new materials, translations, and interactive features.
During the inaugural exhibition, 3812 Gallery will launch the exhibition catalogue of Hsiao Chin’s 90th retrospective exhibition in this summer at the Guangdong Museum of Art in Guangzhou, China, showcasing his recent achievements and contributions to the art world. We cordially invite you to visit Hsiao Chin Archives – “The Light of Hope” Exhibition to celebrate the milestone together.
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