This would be a pivotal exhibition for Chan (don't think he's related to the Chan of Chan Hampe). Think he is in a mid career crisis where his works are not cheap, quite a few of his works are being auctioned off at lower prices (and also in Ringgit/ lousy exchange rate now against the SGD), he hasn't had a sensational show or sell out show and hardly anybody is talking about him.
In this show, he is trying to break free from painting realistic/ representational and move on to abstract (with this you can relate to the title of the show). Trying to overcome his weaknesses and do things out of his usual mould and comfort zone. You can appreciate what he is doing. In this experimental exhibition, there are hits and misses. But Eric being the talented artist he is, there are more hits. And with him continually going at it, he will do good. Don't forget Eric is a full time artist, no day job, so he will continue to paint and find solutions to his weaknesses.
He has done smaller works this time round, making him more accessible to people who want his works and can't or don't want to spend or can't hang his usual big works. And he has also abandoned his bright and bold palette, choosing to work with earth tones and blue.
Escape
Point for collectors: Eric is a buy to strong buy rating. Definitely a super talented artist. He is intense and that will take him places. Love the fact the he is trying something new and headed in a new direction. Wish him all the best. The best piece at the exhibition was Escape which already had a red dot next to it.
Edit: Just found out a super 'secret'. In a further act of defiance and screwing the old ways. Eric has reused his linen, meaning for many of the paintings, on the reverse side are his realistic masterpieces or unfinished works. 2 paintings for the price of one. Saw the gallerist showing an example to a collector. Wow!
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