karin weber press release 2004

Press Release

Subtle Abstractions of “Sanctums” Arrive with Painter’s Return to Hong Kong after Asian Wanderings

For Immediate Release

10 June 2004, Hong Kong; Artist Gregory Burns returns to Hong Kong with a new series of meditative, abstract paintings that document his inner quest over the past year. In a show entitled Sanctum, Burns presents what he terms a series of “sanctuaries” where the viewer can find refuge and space to be quiet and contemplative. The show runs from June 10th through 30th at the Karin Weber Gallery, 20 Aberdeen Street in Central.

In his current paintings, Burns moves farther from the iconic depiction of actual Far Eastern spiritual places and ritual symbols that characterized his series of “Sacred Sites” paintings show in 2002 at Pacific Place. While Burns continues to rely on medium to intimate formats and a palette of deep reds, yellows, and ochers, his suggestions of temples, bridges, and sacred objects have melded into more abstract shapes – spaces the vibrate with a sense of sanctity and calm.

Gregory Burns’ 20-year journey throughout Asia resulted in his “Sacred Sites” paintings. The present Sanctum series represents a change for him – a move from the outside to the inside.

"All creatures seek out places of safety," he says.

"Dogs rest under tables. Bears sleep in caves. Men hold up in their homes and places of worship. Without such spaces, life unravels. The constant bombardment of external forces and demands that require our attention leave us drained. Retreating to our sanctums, we recharge our batteries only to be reminded that what we really seek, lies inside,"

Burns contends that his paintings reference a universal truth, "In times of uncertainty, humans will seek out and return to the sanctums where they feel at peace and able to continue in their deeply personal practices." The paintings reflect these places and offer visual and emotional sanctuary to the viewer.

Burns’ life is one of ironic juxtapositions. In a world where sports and the arts seem often at odds, Gregory Burns proves that the two can co-exist on the highest levels. Burns is a world champion swimmer who has won gold medals and broken world records in the last three Paralympic Games. As an artist, he has seen his work exhibited in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Osaka, London, Milan, Frankfurt, San Francisco, Hawaii and elsewhere in the U.S. and Europe.


After moving to Asia in 1984, Burns backpacked for 16 months throughout China, Nepal, Tibet, India, and Pakistan. While in Asia, he studied the art and architecture of Hinduism and Buddhism.

A resident of Hong Kong from 1991 to 1995, Burns recalls painting at the end of his bed inside his tiny Causeway Bay apartment, “Until my move to Hong Kong, I never painted abstract paintings but starved for the natural landscapes that once fueled my art, I became frustrated. With no visual stimulus or subjects to paint, I began expressing emotions and feelings with Chinese brushes and paint. It was an opening into a whole new world”.

Burns holds a minor in Fine Art from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MFA in Painting from R.M.I.T. in Melbourne, Australia. He also spent two years studying Chinese painting and calligraphy at Cheng Chi University in Taipei. For more information about the artist, please log onto: www.gregoryburns.com.

Karin Weber moved her gallery in April 2004 to #20 Aberdeen Street, just up from Hollywood Road in Central. The Gallery has moved from its former location on Staunton Street.


Karin Weber Gallery is located at G/Floor #20 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 - 7:00, and Sunday, Noon to 7:00.
Telephone (852) 2544-5004; Fax (852) xxxx-xxxx. E-mail Kwarts@netvigator.com

Call or visit the web site at www.karinweberarts.com