Wyndham Social gladly presents Verses in Chisel: Poems Etched in Time, solo exhibition by Carlos Koo, reviving the timeless art of traditional copperplate engraving through the spirit of masterful craftsmanship.

In the past centuries, metal artisans have used hand-hammering techniques to create embossed, chased, and inlaid designs, elevating ordinary metal objects into intricate and exquisite works of art.

For nearly a decade, Hong Kong artist Carlos Koo has been dedicated to reviving traditional metalworking techniques. In this exhibition, he presents a series of rare hand-engraved copperplate works and unique prints created using these engraved plates as matrices. Carlos’ copperplate engravings primarily feature retro-style line illustrations, using engraving tools and hammers to produce lines of varying thickness and density. By layering parallel and crosshatched lines, he creates intricate textures and shadows, bringing his copperplate narratives to life.

About the Artist: Carlos Koo

Carlos Koo, half-Spanish and half-Chinese, was born in Panama in 1979 and moved to Hong Kong in 1981. He graduated from the Department of Counselling and Psychology of Shue Yan College (University) in 2003, and has since worked as a model for renowned international brands and has appeared in numerous TV dramas and films. He is currently an actor under contract with Shaw Brothers.

Carlos first encountered motorcycle engraving in 2015, which marked the beginning of his deep exploration into traditional hand-engraving techniques. He further honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned Indonesian metal engraving master I Dewa Saputra in Bali. His works have primarily focused on engraving existing metal objects, including motorcycles and watches, with his personalised watch engravings gaining popularity among local and international watch enthusiasts. He has also collaborated with international watch brands to host lectures and workshops. Currently, he is a guest lecturer of the Department of Fine Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.