KUCHING: La Promenade Mall’s Hoan Gallery will present ‘Under Sarawak Skies: A Special Preview’ on June 23, unveiling selected works created during its most ambitious art expedition to date.
The project brought together more than 20 artists from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia for a 10-day journey across Sarawak from June 10 to 18, creating on-site paintings, sketches and visual documentation that captured fresh perspectives on the state’s landscapes, heritage and everyday life.
“For ‘Under Sarawak Skies’, we took the bold approach of embarking on a road journey across the state, venturing into rural communities and lesser-known locations,” said Hoan Gallery founder, Kee Huang.
Artists in the programme include Ng Woon Lam, Ler Hock Chuan and Sarawak-born Marvin Chew from Singapore; Muhammad Rojana-udomsat from Thailand; Lee Choon Kooi, Lee Eng Beng, Tham Siew Moi, Calvin Chua, Jarence Yoong, Khoo Cheang Jin, Tan Suz Chiang, Ong Jian Yang, Peter Liew and Christina Chan from Peninsular Malaysia; and Sarawak artists Brandon Ritom and Ricky Hii.
The expedition covered iconic landmarks and cultural sites across Sarawak, including Kampung Wireless in Miri, Fort Alice in Sri Aman, Padungan and Kuching Old Bazaar here, as well as Patrick Libau Longhouse, Kampung Jalan Abang Galau, Sapan Puloh in Kampung Telian, Mukah, and Pasar Tamu Bintulu, allowing them to engage directly with the state’s rich heritage, communities and landscapes that have shaped Sarawak over generations.
Lau Ung Ing of Big Lau Studio, who is documenting the journey for a film, says he was mesmerised by the energy displayed by the artists each time they arrived at a new location.
“The artists were able to experience Sarawak authentically and capture its unfiltered beauty.
“Each destination offers such unique interpretations. Sarawak truly has so much to offer, and I believe documenting these creative processes helps preserve the state’s heritage and culture while sharing them with a wider audience,” he said.
These locations offered an intimate look at Sarawak’s communities and daily life, giving the artists opportunities to document everyday moments and interpret them through their own visual language.
The special preview will bring together foreign media representatives, collectors, artists and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry officials for an exclusive early look at the works before the project’s broader exhibition later this year.
All artworks presented during ‘Under Sarawak Skies: A Special Preview’ will be available for sale.
Hock Seng Lee (HSL), the local construction and property development firm, has been a sponsor of Hoan Gallery since it opened in 2021.
“Supporting Hoan Gallery is a most meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. There are many ways to contribute to society as a corporate citizen, and supporting the arts will have a lasting impact,” said HSL marcom lead, Abraham Tiong.
