Frieze 91 Member Spotlight: Edwin Chan
Edwin Chan was born in Hong Kong and studied architecture at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard. After Graduation, Edwin joined Gehry Partners in Los Angeles to lead the design on the firm’s most significant arts and cultural projects. In 2013, Edwin launched his cross-disciplinary architecture and design studio - EC3, working on a diverse portfolio of projects world-wide that include artist collaborations, sustainable mixed-use developments, and a hybrid mass-timber tower. In addition to architecture, Edwin also collaborates with the independent gallery Central Server Works at his Venice Beach studio that invites artists to explore new and immersive ways to present their work in a flexible, non-white box setting. Edwin Chan have been recognised with numerous awards and publications, including the distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France.
1. Describe yourself in three words?
Curious / Agile / Bold
2. What’s your proudest moment ?
Personally, overcoming the physical challenge of trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Professionally, attending the 25th Anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao; and knowing that I contributed to the design that has continued to inspire a sense of pride for the Basque community.
3. Art icon?
Michelangelo, for the boundless breadth of his artistic genius - from painting to sculpture to architecture. Matisse’s paper cutouts bring a sense of playfulness and improvisation that resonates with my own design process. Gordon Matta-Clark, for pushing the limit of reimagining space in radical ways.
4. Hidden gem in your city?
The sculpture garden at the Norton Simon Museum (inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny) offers a lush, contemplative sanctuary to the busy urban sprawl of LA.
5. Favourite restaurant?
It's impossible to choose, I love that LA offers access to cuisines from all over the world. But my go-to range from Gjusta (artisan bakery) in Venice, to Mizlala (Middle Eastern) on West Adams in Mid-City, to Tsujita (Japanese noodles) on Sawtelle in West LA.
6. Song you can listen to on repeat?
“True Faith” by New Order kept me going through those all-nighters during my architecture school years. Buena Vista Social Club helps me relax during the weekends.
7. Exhibition you’re excited to see (or have seen)?
Doug Aitken’s Lightscape at the Marciano Foundation is an amazing multi-sensorial experience. I am looking forward to the David Hockney Retrospective (opening in April) at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
8. A skill you’re working on mastering.
Striking a better work-life balance and refining the art of being a good listener are both essential skills for making me a better person and as a creative leader.
9. A memorable place?
Visiting Antarctica makes me appreciate the fragility and beauty of our planet; a wake-up call for why sustainable design is more critical than ever. The Rodan Crater by James Turrell near Flagstaff, AZ is our generation’s answer to the Great Pyramids. Its masterful orchestration of light and space is something I strive for in my own work.
10. Favourite museum?
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art just outside of Copenhagen, for achieving a seamless synthesis of art, architecture, and landscape.
11. Artist you’re currently thinking about?
I am currently fascinated by the collaboration between artists Kim Schoen and Kim Schoenstadt where they created a fictional artist “Schoen/Stadt” to explore the concept of mistaken identity through a feminist and absurdist lens. Also, my heart goes out to all the artists in our community who have lost their house / studio in the recent fires. I wish them all the best for a speedy recovery!
