This October, during Frieze London, renowned artist and jeweller Wallace Chan unveiled a deeply contemplative body of work at Annabel’s, one of London’s most iconic private members' clubs. His jewellery and sculptures, while visually arresting, did more than entrance—they invited viewers to reflect on the intricate relationships between art, life and the inevitable passage of time.
At the heart of the exhibition was Fish in Waves, a striking piece that encapsulates Chan’s mastery of jewellery design and his philosophical approach to creation. Set in lightweight titanium and adorned with precious stones like paraiba tourmaline and yellow diamond, the piece evokes the fluidity of the ocean. Its intricate composition speaks to the interconnectedness of all life, with each element carefully chosen to reflect the relationship between nature’s forms and human creativity.
Alongside Fish in Waves, Chan’s titanium sculpture series PETALS introduced a new dimension to his work. Inspired by Baroque Catholic statues, the sculptures depict distorted human faces merged with flower petal forms, floating in an ethereal dance between solidity and weightlessness. Through the use of titanium, Chan transforms the material into something almost otherworldly, bridging the gap between the natural and the abstract.
Yet, for Wallace Chan, the significance of these works lies not just in their artistic execution, but in their ability to convey deeper truths about the human experience. "As an artist, you want to get your hands on as many tools as possible," he shared during the exhibition. "The more you know, the more power you have." This ethos of constant learning and mastery has shaped Chan's career, driving him to innovate and push the boundaries of what jewellery and sculpture can express.
Reflecting on his place in the world of art, Chan offered a humble perspective on legacy: "To me, the biggest art collector is history itself. I’m grateful for all my collectors—I would not be able to create without them. At the end of the day, it’s up to history to decide if I have done something good with my art and my life." In these words, Chan reveals a deep awareness of the fleeting nature of fame and success. Despite his global recognition and the presence of his works in the world’s most prestigious museums, he remains focused on the lasting impact of his art, allowing history to judge its true worth.
Chan's journey from a childhood of poverty to international acclaim is a narrative of resilience and self-determination. He often references his childhood through the metaphor of The Wallace Flying Frog, a playful yet poignant symbol of his early years spent chasing frogs rather than attending school. "We are all products of our childhood experiences," he reflected, acknowledging the hardships he faced. Without the support of a nurturing family or formal education, Chan relied on his own perseverance to rise above his circumstances. "Everyone has the chance to make their dreams come true," he said, a message of hope and possibility that underpins his life’s work.
Despite his considerable achievements, Chan continues to see himself as a student of life. “I’m still learning so much every single day,” he confessed. “But I’ve learned that there are three things I must always do: keep a good heart, think good thoughts and do good things—kindness must always come first.” This philosophy guides both his personal interactions and his artistic practice, reminding us that true greatness lies in the values we embody, not merely in what we create.
Chan’s pursuit of perfection, whether in the precise arrangement of gemstones or the ethereal flow of a titanium sculpture, is less about attaining an ideal and more about the relentless effort to strive for the best. “There is never perfect ruin; it’s a pursuit. You can only chase after it and put your all into it,” he explained. For Chan, the value of art lies in the ongoing process of refinement, the dedication to constantly push forward, even if true perfection remains out of reach.
