KUCHING: The Sarawak International Art Camp (SIAC) has again elevated the state’s international art profile by blending cultural exchange with the promotion of its heritage and creative strengths.
Sarawak Artists Society (SAS) president Sebastian Jong said that the SIAC is more than just a programme — it is a bridge connecting Sarawak to the world through creativity,understanding, and friendship.
Over five days, 31 artists from 14 countries had gathered in the city to share ideas, cultures, and artistic techniques.
All artworks displayed at the camp were created on-site, drawing inspiration from their explorations of the city and visits to cultural landmarks, as well as the artists’ own countries, resulting in pieces that reflect both the state’s identity and a shared human experience.
“During these five days, we were not merely focused on creating our own artworks. We exchanged creative techniques and concepts, learned from one another’s cultures and languages, and gained insights into different ways of life,” said Jong.
He said this during the Sarawak International Art Camp 2025 (SIAC 2025) closing ceremony and opening ceremony of the Art Exhibition Chung Hua Middle School No 4 at the school on Monday (Dec 15).
“Additionally, this event has also contributed to the growth of our local art scene and enhanced public awareness of the value of art through this meaningful exchange.”
Unlike the first SIAC held at Annah Rais in 2022, which introduced many foreigners to Sarawak’s unique December Christmas carolling, this year’s camp attracted more first-time international visitors.
“This time, with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) support, we had more first-time international visitors to Kuching. Some travelled over 30 hours from Germany, while others journeyed for days from Egypt.”
He hopes the participants return home sharing stories about Sarawak, the city, and its culture.
Meanwhile, artists expressed their admiration for Sarawak and the organisation of the camp.
Eddie Lui from Hong Kong SAR China presented his work “Tree Paper Tree Again,” a collage on canvas inspired by Sarawak’s old trees and handicraft.
“I was deeply impressed by Sarawak’s ancient and forest trees. I’ve been visiting Malaysia many, many times. Different cities. But this is my first trip to Sarawak.
“During our visit to the museum, I saw a rich array of textures, fabrics, and handicrafts.
“So, I thought that when creating a work in Sarawak, the best approach is to showcase the colours, fabrics, and traditions that reflect how the Sarawak people truly observe and respect nature,” he said.
He added that in the past many, many years, people cut down trees to make paper.
“For a change, to show my respect, I made use of cutting papers (recycled paper) to recreate a tree, to recycle a tree. So there’s a spirit in art making.
“We always sort of observe nature, we learn from nature. So my concept of recreating trees by using paper in a form of collage is quite unique in a way,” he said enthusiastically.
The 78-year-old artist, who has painted for 55 years, praised the camp’s organisation and its unique approach to involving students.
On the first day, he recruited four students as helpers in paper-cutting, later training them to guide new participants.
“I have the biggest reward of having four students becoming trainers themselves.
“I taught them to collage a piece of rock that they found in a school compound. So they became collage artists too. So that’s the happiest and most enjoyable experience ever,” he said.
Lui described SIAC 2025 as “very special and encouraging,” highlighting the diversity of artists and the exchange of skills and ideas.
From South Korea, artist Da Yee shared her art titled From Cloud, using mixed media and dyed cotton which focused on drawing shadows rather than scenery.
“Shadows simplify shapes but still prove that something was truly there. My work is about memory, time, and repeated actions passed down through generations.
“I explore the gap between oral and written generations through stories, performances, and paintings.
“For me, painting is not about accurate images, but about lingers, sensations, and altered memories.
“In Malaysia, I felt a connection beyond language and culture,” she said.
She added that those shared moments came together like overlapping shadows under the same light.
“These shadows are landscapes, memories, and traditions (referring to her art). Three of what we experience together. For me, painting is literally a quite honest record of being there,” she added with hopes to return in the future to continue exploring culture and natural landscape through her art.
Adi Zain from Brunei Darussalam contributed an acrylic piece titled Jamilah Gadis Ulu.
He explained that the girl in his painting is naturally connected to the environment, having grown up surrounded by nature.
“Being an ‘ulu’ girl, her life has always been intertwined with greenery, making her a fitting representation of a Borneo or Sarawak ‘Forest Princess.’
“Her traditional attire reflects her sincerity and love for Sarawak’s culture, showing that embracing Bornean traditions is living in harmony with the forest and its serene beauty,” he said.
