Curated by Amanda Wei, Fuonder of Amanda Wei Gallery, “Chatham Maison” offers a private multifunctional contemporary art space for museum-scale exhibitions to showcase masterpieces.
When you walk along Chatham Path in Mid-Levels and walk uphill towards the Peak, you would see a century-old British mansion called Chatham Maison, a Grade II historic building remodeled by Amanda Wei.
A chance encounter with the dream gallery
Wei’s knowhow in antique collection came from her family since a young age. Following an early business career, Wei now works in the art industry. She founded Amanda Wei Gallery in Central five years ago. Yet, she has not been able to host large scale art exhibitions owing to limited space. Out of her expectations, she met her dream art space during a chance encounter – when she was hiking during COVID times.
“I saw this spectacular historic architecture when I was hiking and fell in love with it right after paying a visit inside. I began thinking about how to showcase contemporary art pieces there.”
Wei seized the opportunity, impressed the mansion’s owner with sincerity and successfully secured a long-term lease with a reasonable rent. She began remodeling from March 2020 and “Chatham Maison” Art Research & Exchange Centre opened its doors in October 2021.
Fusing contemporary art with nature
“Chatham Maison” is very spacious and there are many rooms in the building, making it the perfect location for hosting large-scale art shows. “The numerous rooms within a unified whole bring us connectedness and individuality at the same time. I can decorate each room with a specific theme. Visitors will experience a marked difference in personal perception and understanding from their usual gallery visit.”
As visitors may not know how to navigate this exhibition space, the gallery team offers private guided tours that last up to three hours. Each tour has a capacity for a small group from 3 to 8 persons, so that visitors can take their time and enjoy the experience. “We also provide refreshment. We hope our guests can feel as welcomed as a friend visiting our home.”
At present, “Chatham Maison” is hosting a retrospective exhibition for Tan Ping, presenting the most symbolic works of the artist in his 40 years of art creation. The gallery looks forward to working with more artists and promoting international exchanges in the Chinese market.
A strong connection with contemporary art
Wei took the initiative to curate this non-profit making art space, where her visitors and herself appreciate contemporary art pieces and establish friendships as they fondly discuss art. “I love to make friends. Contemporary art is very dear to my heart because I am able to exchange ideas with artists. I think this experience is truly meaningful.”
“I am not bounded by the specifications of art. Instead, I care much more about the background, motive and creative journey of an artist. By delving deep into each work, people can really take their mind and spirit to a new level. Art is very educational. Without the help of text, we can open up our minds and be inspired by understanding the deep meanings of art.” Wei also revealed that another “Chatham Maison” is being built in the French art town known as the Auvers Sur Oise, which is scheduled to open by the time of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She is gradually establishing her very own museums.
