Scott Kahn, a 78-year-old US artist, has recently experienced a significant revival in his career, highlighted by his first solo exhibition in Asia at the prestigious David Zwirner gallery in Hong Kong. This exhibition, titled 'Once in a Blue Moon,' runs until February 22, 2025, and features a collection of new landscapes alongside earlier works [4bd15347].
Kahn's resurgence can be traced back to his friendship with Hong Kong-Canadian artist Matthew Wong, who purchased Kahn's painting 'Cul de Sac' in 2019. This pivotal moment not only provided Kahn with financial support but also reignited interest in his art [4bd15347]. Tragically, Wong's suicide later that same year led to a surge in demand for his own artworks, which in turn influenced Kahn's recognition in the art world [4bd15347].
Reflecting on his journey, Kahn recalls a time when he lived in poverty, even spending part of the pandemic in his cousin's attic. His painting 'Cadman Plaza' sold for an impressive HK$7.5 million (approximately US$960,000) in November 2021, marking a turning point in his financial stability and artistic visibility [4bd15347].
However, Kahn's newfound success has not come without challenges. He is currently facing a lawsuit from dealer Eric Ian Hornak-Spoutz over a canceled exhibition, adding a layer of complexity to his late-career recognition [4bd15347]. Despite these hurdles, Kahn remains grateful for the opportunities that have emerged, though he acknowledges the distractions that accompany his newfound fame [4bd15347].
As Kahn's story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of artists and the impact of personal relationships on creative journeys, particularly in the vibrant art scene of Hong Kong [4bd15347].