Andre Chan, a self-taught artist, entered the art world with no formal training and little knowledge of painting or artistic techniques. As a young man, Andre grappled with profound, unanswerable questions, which he translated into his abstract paintings, seeking to depict the intangible.
Andre left his traditional household at an early age, unable to endure the restrictive environment. He dropped out of school at 19 and had to find ways to support himself financially. Initially, he worked various laborious jobs, including cleaning, while simultaneously pursuing his passion for painting.
At 19, Andre was hired by a design firm, and engaged in various roles, including sales, marketing, and design. In December 2021, a year after resigning from his job, Andre held his first solo exhibition titled "Metanoia." The exhibit explored themes of regeneration and transformation from trauma to healing.
André, in a meteoric rise, had his second solo exhibition a year after at 1335 Mabini at Karrivin Plaza in Makati, which took place on his birthday, October 7. His third solo exhibition 'Avalanche' occurred in January 2023, at the Cube Gallery in Cebu City.
Reflecting on his first exhibition, Andre shared that "Metanoia" was inspired by his personal journey of healing and transformation. He described himself as an angry person, and through his art, he wanted to convey a message of hope and progress to the youth.
“It's from that trauma when I was younger,” Andre shared. “So I think every art piece should convey a message to everyone. From my experiences, it can be perceived as a philosophy, especially for young people, that you are a work in progress, and every day shapes who you are.”
He continued to elaborate that the concept of "Metanoia" centered around learning from mistakes, accepting trauma, and turning anger into something positive.
Andre finds art to be a fluid and sometimes therapeutic process. He shared to us that while creating art can be cathartic, he also experiences moments of emotional intensity.
“I want to always show in my artworks that art is not just something seen visually. It is filtered, consumed, and digested internally, not just by the artist but also by the viewer,” Andre said. “This interaction between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer creates a discussion, leading to catharsis. True catharsis happens when there's a meaningful dialogue between the art and the viewer.”
He views the act of creating art as a responsibility, particularly in the context of his Filipino heritage. His goal is to create art that evokes discussion and resonates with viewers on a deeper level.
Scientific mindset
When asked about his artistic process, Andre explained that he approaches his work with a scientific mindset. He sees himself as a mental and emotional person, using his body as a metaphorical paintbrush.
“I'm a very mental and emotional person rather than a physical one. So I don't approach the canvas directly. Instead, I treat my body as the paintbrush, and the experiences we go through as the pigments. The world is truly your canvas in the first place,” he said.
His experiences and the world around him serve as pigments, which he then transfers to the canvas. This method allows him to infuse his art with energy and emotion, creating pieces that reflect his internal state.
Andre's second solo exhibition, "Colors of Slumber," focused on the importance of rest. As an intense and hyperactive individual, he realized the significance of rest as a philosophy and practice. The exhibition aimed to convey that rest is essential for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It encouraged viewers to embrace rest as a necessary part of life, allowing for better reflection and assessment of one's surroundings.
For his third exhibition, "Avalanche," Andre shared that the theme revolves around the concept of an avalanche. He likened the feeling of being unsure of oneself to being trapped in an avalanche, where one must learn to accept uncertainty and build resilience. The exhibit aims to explore the idea of preparing for the unknown and building strength to face life's challenges.
In discussing his success, Andre emphasized the importance of letting go of useless emotions and not dwelling on the past. He acknowledged the pain but stressed the value of managing emotions effectively.
According to him, the lessons he discovered in his second exhibition reminded him to care for himself holistically, encompassing mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial health. These small wins have humbled him, showing that he is not alone in his journey. He discovered a supportive community beyond his family, highlighting the significance of connection and shared experiences.
“Yeah, I think these small wins have made me more humble and well-rounded. They have taught me that I'm not alone in this world. Before, I felt like it was me against the world. I didn't want help from anyone. But along the way, I realized that if support wasn't coming from inside the house, there are neighbors and others around who are waiting to support you,” Andre said.
Throughout his artistic journey, Andre has learned to embrace the support of others and recognize the value of community. He believes that his experiences and emotions are interconnected with those of his viewers, creating a shared space for discussion and catharsis. As he continues to create and exhibit his art, Andre remains committed to conveying meaningful messages and fostering connections through his work.
The future
Leading into the third quarter of 2024, Andre will participate in the upcoming MOCAF 2024 at Marquis Events Place, BGC, on July 6-7, represented by Guava Sketches.
At the event, he will showcase "Soul Mutation," an artwork series exploring the transformative journey of self-discovery, depicted through a Victorian schoolboy in a green field. Additionally, Andre is looking forward to an upcoming artist talk and workshop, with details to follow.
(Photos courtesy of Andre Chan)