The exhibition showcases Chaumeton's profound exploration of childhood memories and the essence of creativity. His multi-layered works address issues surrounding the oversaturation of information and images in modern society whilst also conveying a weariness about the consequences of technology’s rapid advancements.
SEBASTIAN CHAUMETON: BABY BLUE
HK H Queen’s 8/F
2023.10.26 - 11.25
Baby Blue delves into the depths of Sebastian Chaumeton's personal journey of reconnecting with his childhood, seeking to rediscover forgotten aspects and unravel further understanding through his creative drive. Growing up, Chaumeton was often found with a pencil and paper, immersed in drawing for extended periods of time. The act of drawing brought him a sense of concentration, tranquility, and contentment. In this exhibition, he draws upon this innate connection with art to explore the fundamental question of "why" he creates. For Chaumeton, the answer to this question is ever-evolving, sometimes crystal clear, allowing him to dive headlong into his work, while at other times, the creative path requires playful exploration before the purpose comes into focus, and the foggy outlines of ideas transform into concise, calculated lines of communication. To Chaumeton, art is the means of conveying an idea—a channel through which he communicates with the world.
I wouldn’t say there was a specific lightbulb moment of “I want to be an artist”. I could say that I was always drawing as a kid and that natural nack was nourished by a supportive family, which built up a creative confidence to eventually carve out a career… but honestly I just love making art and I feel extremely fortunate that what I get to do has a job title!.
Situated at the intersection of art, crafts, and history, ceramics hold a unique position in Chaumeton's exploration. In the realm of history, ceramics act as archaeological markers, preserving the imprints of past civilizations. Chaumeton finds inspiration in this role of ceramics and employs the medium as a conduit to tap into his own personal history. By working with ceramics, he seeks to unearth memories and hidden artifacts from his childhood naivety, with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the creative process. Early in life, when one engages in artistic expression, the boundaries surrounding creativity are minimal. Perspectives, representation, anatomy, culture, media, education, and societal consensus on fine art are absent, allowing pure, unadulterated imagination to flourish.
Baby Blue showcases a diverse range of Chaumeton's artistic expressions, featuring thought-provoking paintings, captivating sculptures, and immersive installations. Through his masterful brushstrokes and meticulous attention to detail, Chaumeton invites viewers to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of emotions, inviting introspection and self-reflection. His unique artistic style seamlessly blends realism and abstraction, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with the viewer.
In this exhibition, Chaumeton employs various processes to scratch at the surface of his inner child. One approach involves reimagining and reproducing some of his earliest drawings, cherished by his parents from ages 3 to 10. These early artworks serve as a source of inspiration, merging childhood memories with artistic influences that left a lasting impact, such as the works of Hokusai or Rosseau.
I often create boundaries around this play with which to bounce off and sometimes break. An afternoon dance break helps loosen me up for an evening of work not to mention a couple cups of coffee a day…
By tapping into the freedom of a child's mind, Chaumeton embraces an "anything goes" mentality when selecting characters to adorn the physical and representational ceramic vessels. The vessels become canvases for his playful imagination, resulting in a whimsical and liberating viewing experience for visitors.
Baby Blue extends an invitation to viewers to reflect on their own objects of nostalgia and to reconnect with their inner child. Chaumeton believes it is essential to maintain a connection with one's younger self, as it nurtures and fosters creativity throughout life. By incorporating play into everyday life, individuals can tap into their innate imaginative powers and explore their chosen avenues of creativity.
ABOUT
If you would like to receive a list of his works, please contact us using the enquiry form below.
Contact us2023.10.26 - 11.25
HONG KONG / H Queen’s
Tel: +852 2523 8001
Fax: +852 2523 8005
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Sunday, Monday