Frank Tam Retrospective, Art Beatus Gallery, Vancouver

Frank Tam: Restrospective
Art Beatus Gallery, Vancouver
May 5 - July 30, 2000

Art Beatus Gallery presents a solo exhibition of works by artist, Frank Tam. Included in the Retrospective are ink paintings from the early years and mixed media installations created later in his career.

Frank Tam was one of the most remarkable artist to which he demanded a critical examination of Eastern and Western cultures. Frank Tam's study of traditional Chinese ink painting with Chao Siao-eng, a great master of Lingnan school enabled Frank Tam to gain a full understanding of traditional Chinese painting techniques and because the Lingnan school was the first to incorporate a Western influence into traditional Chinese art he was aware of Western Art practices.

Frank Tam immigrated to Canada in 1972, and his art began to grow substantially. He became dissatisfied with traditional Chinese media and began to consciously question Eastern and Western traditions and discovered a link between Eastern and Western philosophy's. The purpose of Chinese painting is not to explain the world, but rather to achieve a universal balance between nature and the artist. It follows that the creation of art must be natural yet spontaneous. Only in this state can the spirit of the soul travel. Frank Tam found similar ideas in works by Western artists Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, Brice Marden. By studying these artists Frank Tam reaffirmed a strong artistic belief.

Art Beatus presents a showcase of Frank Tam's works created in his early to late career. The Ink on paper works in the manner of his early training hang easily beside the mixed media on canvas works created up until Frank Tam's death in 1998.

ART BEATUS GALLERY, VANCOUVER
888 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H1
www.artbeatus.com