KUCHING: A landmark group exhibition celebrating the creative lineage of three generations of Sarawakian artists will open Friday (July 25) at the Hoan Galley here.
The Continuum: 3 Generasi exhibition which feature the works of the late Raphael Scott AhBeng, Sylvester Jussem, and Dr Mohammad Faizuan Mat is being staged in collaboration with Pustaka Sarawak.
The exhibition, open from July 25 to August 24, will showcase approximately 40 original works that span bold landscapes, cultural symbolism, and abstract motion, offering a rich dialogue between past, present, and future.
“Today is about giving the media a closer look into the perspectives of three influential artists,” said gallery administrator Ellyza Elyn at the media preview on Wednesday .
“It’s a generational journey of artistic expression and Sarawakian identity,” she said.
The late Raphael, affectionately known as RSA, was a pioneering Bidayuh artist known for his abstract depictions of Sarawak’s natural landscapes.
His signature use of vibrant colours and sweeping brushwork earned him recognition across Malaysia and internationally, with works like ‘The Mountainous District of Bau’ and ‘Santubong’ becoming iconic, and continues to shape Sarawak’s artistic narrative.
“Raphael was one of Sarawak’s pioneering artists. He was not just a painter but a storyteller of the land through his bold, expressive style,” Ellyza added.
His direct mentee, Sylvester, studied under Raphael for over four decades.
A senior lecturer at UNIMAS, Sylvester’s work bridges figurative detail and Bumiputera heritage.
His pieces often highlight traditional rituals, spiritual symbolism, and the subtleties of cultural adornment.
Through works like ‘Tetilip Bird Paradise II’, he pays homage to Melanau traditions while reinterpreting them for a modern audience.
Meanwhile, Dr Faizuan, who is the Deputy Director at the Institute of Creative Arts and Technology, UNIMAS, and a mentee of Sylvester for over 16 years, represents the exhibition’s contemporary voice.
Dr Faizuan’s abstract paintings, inspired by natural elements such as wind, waves, and light, convey movement and emotion, showcasing the persistence and evolution of Sarawak’s artistic spirit.
The exhibition is made possible with the support of Pustaka Sarawak, which contributed a selection of rare RSA works from its private collection.
“Because of Sylvester’s close friendship with Raphael, he knew that Pustaka held some of the most significant pieces from his mentor. That personal connection made all the difference.
“Pustaka has one of the most prestigious collections of RSA’s work. There really was no better source to turn to for this showcase,” Ellyza explained.
To encourage public participation and raise awareness of Sarawak’s diverse artistic voices, Hoan Gallery will also host artist sharing sessions and live demonstrations during the exhibition’s duration, in addition to offering selected featured artworks for sale.
