'Inter-Connectivity', A January Exhibition and Opening Reception Featuring Gan KC and Noel De Guzman

Dear friends,

You are cordially invited to the Opening Reception of 'INTER-CONNECTIVITY", a F A T Gallery Sculptures Exhibition by KC Gan (Singapore) and Noel De Guzman. The opening reception of the January exhibition will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, while the exhibition will run from 14 January to 10 February 2014.

INTER-CONNECTIVITY feature a series of wall and floor sculptures by two artists, K.C. Gan from Singapore and Noel De Guzman from the Philippines. Inter-Connectivity centres on the theme of connectedness, its place in our life’s journey, and its relevance in modern 21st century. 

Guzman’s work embodies the spirit of connectedness and its healing properties on people. As social beings deeply rooted in the need to find joy and fulfillment, connecting with another in the mind, body and spirit creates a sense of enlightenment. The intersecting natural fibres made of cotton; the centre feature in Noel’s sculptures symbolizes how as individual (fibres) we retain our own identity while yet as a collective race we are connected to one another in the bigger scheme of things. In this universe, everyone understands their role – with personal agendas intertwined into the common agenda – in working towards a common goal. Taking this into perspective, the differences in racial, social, cultural and human belief become a celebration of diversity rather than a source of conflict – all in the spirit of connectivity. 

Collecting domestic objects that have outgrown their primary function, K.C. repurposes these forgotten articles of old, breathing into them new life. A series of assemblage mixed media artworks created by K.C. reconnects the aged with the current; inducing comfort and nostalgia in familiarity in the midst of one’s sojourns. Common items such as telephones, lamps and flowerpots are pieced together and stylized with symbolic motifs; epitomizing the essence of wanderlust while retaining (and reminding one of the) vague memories of their past. A metaphor for many things, these exquisite artworks touch on the connectivity of human experiences in a playful yet different way. The exhibited artworks are the manifestation and connection of all that we ourselves set out to achieve – the seeking of adventure while longing for home. 

Your presence is greatly appreciated!

Artist: Noel De Guzman (Philippines)

Noel’s work embodies the spirit of connectedness and its healing properties on people. As social beings deeply rooted in the need to find joy and fulfilment, connecting with another in the mind, body and spirit creates a sense of enlightenment. The intersecting natural fibres made of cotton; the centre feature in Noel’s sculptures symbolizes how as individual (fibres) we retain our own identity while yet as a collective race we are connected to one another in the bigger scheme of things. In this universe, everyone understands their role – with personal agendas intertwined into the common agenda – in working towards a common goal. Taking this into perspective, the differences in racial, social, cultural and human belief becomes a celebration of diversity rather than a source of conflict – all in the spirit of connectivity.

"Connectedness to oneself brings understanding. Connectedness to family brings joy. Connectedness to community brings belonging. Connectedness to the planet brings awareness."- Noel De Guzman

About Noel De Guzman

An artist living abroad, Noel’s works revolves around the concept of Diasporas and the creation of networks. In his years of travelling to distant countries away from home, Noel was connected with familiar and not-so-familiar faces. This enlightening experience has spurred him to create and bridge those new mental, emotional and creative connections of past, present and future.

Currently based in Hong Kong, Noel is well-travelled and has held exhibitions in Hong Kong, Dubai, Philippines and Singapore. Noel is also the person behind Visual Arts Calendar, an online hub that feature the latest visual arts news and events with a growing presence in Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei and Hanoi.

Artist: KC Gan (Singapore)

Collecting domestic objects that have outgrown their primary function, KC repurposes these forgotten articles of old, breathing into them new life. A series of assemblage mixed media artworks created by the young, budding Singaporean artist, KC repurposes and reconnect the aged with the current; inducing comfort and nostalgia in familiarity in the midst of one’s sojourns. Common items such as telephones, lamps and flowerpots are pieced together and stylized with symbolic motifs; epitomizing the essence of wanderlust while retaining (and reminding one of the) vague memories of their past. A metaphor for many things, these exquisite artworks touch on the connectivity of human experiences in a playful yet different way. The exhibited artworks are the manifestation and connection of all that we ourselves set out to achieve – the seeking of adventure while longing for home.

About Gan Kwang Chuen (KC)

In his own exploration of life and adventure, KC’s works depict his own narrative diary of the said, his struggles and the chase of romanticized freedom. Often using found objects both collected and scavenged, and further conjuring them into sculptural forms and paintings, KC reintegrates the discarded, the neglected, and the forgotten into poetic visuals that serve a higher purpose.

Each created sculpture is unique and created from the heart; laced with personal memorabilia such as handwritten notes, journal entries and personal gifts from friends, invoking different meanings to different people. KC graduated from LaSalle College of the Arts, Goldsmith University with 2nd Class Honors in Fine Arts and was also a recipient of the prestigious Georgette Chen Arts Scholarship awarded by the National Arts Council.