Source: Images and content by Vacheron Constantin
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From November 17, 2023 to March 31, 2024
- Vacheron Constantin’s second bespoke event window in Hong Kong, featuring, this time, Hong Kong-based mixed-media Sculptor, Fanson Lam
- An immersive artistic collaboration to exemplify the lines and silhouettes that give shape to the vibrant movement of time, and the sublime cadence between light and shadow concealed in the Maison’s timepieces
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking manufacture in continuous production for nearly 270 years. At no time in its history has it ever stopped creating, enhancing and reinventing itself. Backed by a strong heritage of passing watchmaking excellence down generations of master craftsmen, the company’s creations embody the exact standards of Fine Watchmaking. This year, in celebration of its never-ending quest for excellence, innovation, and artistry, the Maison officiates the second bespoke event window in its Ocean Terminal Flagship Boutique on November 17, 2023, partnering with acclaimed mixed-media sculptor, Fanson Lam. Titled “Eternal Illumination: A Journey Through Time”, the bespoke art installation is inspired by Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking virtuosity, the sundial, and the ancient wisdom of the 24 Solar Terms on a Chinese lunar calendar.
“DO BETTER IF POSSIBLE, AND THAT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE”
Vacheron Constantin: 268 Years of Excellence
François Constantin uttered these words on July 5, 1819. Now legendary, they are the spirit of Vacheron Constantin. Over the centuries, the Maison has shrewdly intertwined tradition with innovation to acquire the technical, aesthetic, artistic and human capital that shapes its vision of time. Passion for fine craftsmanship and human hands are behind every feat it accomplishes. Throughout its history, Vacheron Constantin has also demonstrated a deep commitment to art and culture, embodied in numerous partnerships, including with the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Abbey Road Studios.
“Since its establishment, Vacheron Constantin has faithfully perpetuated a proud heritage in Haute Horlogerie at the pinnacle of horological virtuosity and stylistic sophistication. It is deeply rooted in the Maison’s DNA that we champion artistry, agility, and human interaction,” Eva Ma, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin North East Asia, adds, “our never-ending quest for excellence, innovation, and artistry has initiated many artistic and cultural partnerships with visionaries and devotees around the world who share the same passion and values.”
“Eternal Illumination: A Journey Through Time”
A Bespoke Artistic Collaboration with Mixed-Media Sculptor Fanson Lam
Inspired by the wisdom of the 24 Solar Terms, the artwork, “Eternal Illumination: A Journey Through Time”, draws inspiration from the timeless concept of the sundial—a device that has guided humanity in measuring the passage of time through the dance of sunlight. The 24 Solar Terms are the crystallization of ancient Chinese wisdom. They embody our observations of nature and the awareness of time. The sundial, an ancient and timeless instrument, holds a profound significance in the realm of timekeeping. It stands as a symbol of our connection to the cosmos, a testament to humanity’s tireless pursuit of measuring time and capturing its fleeting essence.
The “Eternal Illumination” installation stands as a testament to the skill and finesse of Vacheron Constantin. Its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship showcase a deep reverence for heritage and tradition. It transcends its role as a mere art installation or visual merchandising piece. It represents Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. It is a testament to the preservation of traditional artistry while embracing visionary design concepts. This installation epitomizes the timeless ethos of Vacheron Constantin—an eternal brilliance that illuminates the world for all to behold.
ABOUT FANSON LAM
Fanson Lam is a self-taught mixed media sculptor hailing from Hong Kong, whose artistic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of creativity and a passion for sculptural expression. With a solid foundation in a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Visual Arts from the Academy of Visual Arts at Hong Kong Baptist University in 2009 and 2014, Fanson has dedicated almost a decade to honing his craft and exploring the boundless possibilities of sculpture. Under the tutelage of Master Liu Wing Sheung, one of the remaining casting masters in Hong Kong, Fanson began the path of metal casting in 2012.
Throughout his artistic career, Fanson has assumed multiple roles, each contributing to the richness of his artistic practice. As a full-time artisan, he has embraced the freedom to experiment and create, giving life to unique visions that spring from his vivid imagination. Concurrently, Fanson has also served as a part-time lecturer at universities, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students in sculpture classes. The subjects he has taught encompass a broad spectrum, including clay modeling and molding, metal working and woodworking. In his studio, Fanson has further extended his teaching practice, organizing master classes focused on body and portrait sculpting. For each topic, he meticulously designed teaching materials that cater to the specific needs of his students, enriching their learning experience.
EDUCATION
09/2012-2014 Master of Visual Art, Hong Kong Baptist University
09/2009-2012 Bachelor of Visual Art, Hong Kong Baptist University
EXHIBITIONS
2011 Feb – Art Alive, Park, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong
2012 June – July Splash, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
2012 July – Fresh Trend 2012, Hong Kong Visual Art Centre, Hong Kong
2019 April – UNFOLD, Fanson Lam Studio, Hong Kong
2019 November – DEMEN, JCCAC, Hong Kong
2021 March – CREATIONS ENLIVENED: METAL, Crafts on Peel, Hong Kong
2021 October – NEXT MART, Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
2021 December – ON YOUR MART, Art of Nature Gallery, Hong Kong
2022 January – ART SUPERMARKET, K11 Art Mall, Hong Kong
2022 April – WHO WE KNOW AND WE DON”T KNOW, am Space, Hong Kong
2022 August – AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, Hong Kong
2023 February – HEARTS AND HANDS: CRAFTS OF HONG KONG, Crafts on Peel, Hong Kong
2023 May – HEARTS AND HANDS: CRAFTS OF HONG KONG, Crafts on Peel, London Craft Week, United Kingdom
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“Eternal Illumination: A Journey Through Time”
Friday, November 17, 2023 to Sunday, March 31, 2024
Vacheron Constantin Ocean Terminal Flagship Boutique
Shop OT288, Level 2, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
ARTISTIC CONCEPT
Within the realm of “Eternal Illumination,” a poetic and immersive art installation by sculptor Fanson Lam, we embark on a mesmerizing voyage through the corridors of time. Inspired by the elegant dance of a sundial and the ancient wisdom of the 24 Solar Terms, this installation seamlessly blends the time-honoured craft of Lost Wax Casting with relief sculpting, harmonizing with captivating interplays of light and shadow.At the heart of this installation lies the essence of light and shadow, celebrating the ever-changing nature.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
The ancient craft of Lost Wax Casting, employed in the creation of this installation, is a traditional craft with a history that can be traced back thousands of years. It involves pouring molten metal into plaster moulds, created by lost wax casting, resulting in a final work that is unique and meticulously detailed.Yet, it is the play of light and shadow that truly breathes life into “Eternal Illumination.” By embracing various angles and textures, the installation orchestrates a mesmerizing display of luminosity and darkness. This interplay not only enhances the immersive journey but also symbolizes the ever-changing nature of time, much like the shifting rays of the sun as it traverses the sky.
ARTISTIC CRAFTS APPLIED
Relief Sculptures: The installation features 24 flower relief sculptures, each intricately crafted with floral motifs that draw inspiration from the profound essence of the 24 Solar Terms. These sculptures, born from the ancient technique of Lost Wax Casting, pay homage to the revered traditional craft, evoking the timeless connection between time and artistry. Lighting Effect: Concealed within the depths, a hidden lightbox delicately illuminates one flower sculpture at a time, casting ethereal shadows that gracefully shift as the ‘time’ rotates. The interplay of light and shadow not only enriches the immersive experience but also mirrors the ever-changing nature of time, akin to the shifting position of sunlight throughout the day. Within this floral sanctuary, each floral pattern casts a unique silhouette, where every shadow is one-of-a-kind.
