Charles Munka is undeniably a young master of paint and canvas. Born in France, and now living in Hong Kong, he channels the effervescent touch of expressionists before him like Tapies and Twombly, absorbing his surroundings, seeing them as ever-shifting spaces encoded with place, time and history. Munka’s prolific and passionate work begs intrigue as he delves into legend and myth. His highly accomplished skill – whether his knowing gestural brushstrokes, his harmonious use of composition, or his subtle manipulation of colour - has already captured the attention of institutions, galleries and collectors from all over the world.
Inspired by the epic, allegorical classics from Ancient Greece and 19th century studies of Ancient Egypt, Munka harnesses his own nomadic experiences through having lived in Europe, and now Asia, creating mystical and symbolic abstract paintings. His complex and multi-layered works embody his captivation with the notion of a collective memory - something accumulating over time, documented through marks on a surface; often eroded, redrawn, hidden, uncovered.
Munka has exhibited in France, Japan, LA, Hong Kong, and most recently has been commissioned to create works for Joyce Boutique Art Galleries in Hong Kong and Beijing. He was also a finalist in the 2012 Asia Contemporary Art Show Young Artist Prize.
