Talented artist’s stunning sculptures to be on display beginning May 2

HMNS will have a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibition, including an opportunity to speak with Aka Chen, the artist, happening Friday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. at the exhibit entrance. If you are interested in attending the ceremony, please email smesarwi@hmns.org for more details.

Key Points:

• HMNS will host The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen, the U.S. debut solo exhibition of Taiwanese artist Aka Chen, opening May 2.
• The exhibition features 20 sculptures that uniquely combine jewelry artistry and Chinese brush painting using titanium and gemstones.
• Aka Chen’s innovative techniques transform challenging titanium into delicate forms that explore Chinese philosophy and the symbolism of gardens.
• Visitors can expect a captivating and reflective experience, witnessing the fusion of art, science, and cultural meaning in Chen’s work.

HOUSTON, TX – Prepare to be enchanted as art and innovation intertwine in the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s captivating new special exhibition, The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen. Organized by the Bowers Museum and Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), and opening May 2 at HMNS, this marks the highly anticipated United States debut solo exhibition of internationally acclaimed Taiwanese artist Aka Chen (b. 1965), a visionary who has redefined the boundaries of contemporary sculpture.

The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen presents a breathtaking collection of 20 exquisite sculptures, where the delicate artistry of fine jewelry seamlessly merges with the fluid grace of Chinese brush painting. Witness ethereal titanium branches blossoming with meticulously crafted gemstone representations of botanicals and lively wildlife. Ranging in scale from intimate vases to an impressive 30-foot-wide polyptych, these works showcase Chen’s mastery of transforming the remarkably strong yet challenging material of titanium into objects of profound beauty.

“We are absolutely thrilled to put on display the breathtaking artistry of Aka Chen for our guests,” said Joel Bartsch, President and CEO for HMNS. “This exhibition promises to be a truly transformative experience, showcasing a mesmerizing intersection of artistic vision and scientific ingenuity that our visitors will find utterly captivating.”

More than just visually stunning, the exhibition invites contemplation on deep-rooted themes within Chinese philosophy. Guests explore the aesthetic principles of the Chinese garden, the harmonious integration of natural elements within the scholar’s studio, and the garden’s powerful symbolism as a pathway to self-discovery in Chinese artistic tradition.

At the heart of Aka Chen’s groundbreaking work lies titanium, a material renowned for its resilience, demanding exceptional skill to manipulate due to its extreme melting point and hardness. Since his pioneering work in titanium jewelry began in 1994, Chen has fearlessly pushed artistic boundaries, blending time-honored metalworking techniques with revolutionary innovations. His unique process involves sculpting the metal under water using precision tools originally designed for medical applications and working at extraordinarily high temperatures. Once shaped, the titanium undergoes an anodization process, revealing a mesmerizing iridescent shimmer. This intricate process culminates in the artful setting of carefully selected gemstones, each enhancing the inherent beauty of the titanium and elevating the pieces into singular works of art.

Despite the inherent luxury of his materials, Chen’s creations resonate with a quiet humility and a sense of meditative calm. He masterfully balances opulence with introspection, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a sensory experience that evokes personal reflection and a rich tapestry of sensory memories.

Exhibition Highlights:

• Radiant Materials: Experience the dazzling effects of light and color as they interact with Aka Chen’s titanium and rare gem sculptures; using diamonds, sapphires, pearls and more to create a captivating and dynamic visual experience.
• Inspired by Nature: Stemming from his observations of nature during his daily gardening and Buddhist meditation, Aka Chen invites viewers to immerse themselves in a spiritual garden that reflects his humble understanding of the world. Beauty lives in the most ordinary things, from the sparkle of morning dew, the fluttering of butterflies, and the winding of floral branches.
• Masterful Craftsmanship: Making his solo debut exhibition in the U.S., Chen’s exceptional skill and artistic vision are on full display, making this exhibition a must-see for art lovers and collectors seeking something truly extraordinary.

About Aka Chen: Aka Chen, born in 1965, is a prominent Taiwanese artist renowned for his innovative work with titanium. He established his jewelry studio, AKACHEN, in Taipei in 1989. Aka Chen’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, particularly Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, which is reflected in his intricate titanium jewelry designs. His work is known for integrating traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern techniques, creating pieces that evoke the tranquility and beauty of nature. His pieces have garnered international acclaim, being showcased globally, collected by European royal families, and worn by Hollywood celebrities.

The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen will be on display beginning May 2. For more information, visit our website at www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen was organized by the Bowers Museum and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Major support for the exhibition is provided by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston.

Additional support is provided by Anne and Long Shung Shih, and AOU Display Plus America Corporation.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

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