Hoan Gallery and Pustaka Sarawak present second major exhibition of 2025

KUCHING: Hoan Gallery, in collaboration with Pustaka Sarawak, proudly presents The Continuum: 3 Generasi, a landmark group exhibition featuring the works of three influential artists: the late Raphael Scott AhBeng, Sylvester Jussem, and Dr Mohammad Faizuan.

The exhibition shines a spotlight on the late Raphael, one of Sarawak’s art scene pioneers who passed away in 2019. Commonly referred to as RSA, the celebrated Bidayuh artist is remembered for his bold use of colours and depictions of Sarawak’s natural landscapes. His legacy will be presented alongside the works of mentee Sylvester, and abstract expressions of Faizuan.

The exhibition, July 25 – Aug 14, will be held at Hoan Gallery and is open to the public.

GEN-NECTION: The Continuum: 3 Generasi main poster. Three Generations, One Vision — Past, Present, and What’s to Come

The Continuum highlights artistic dialogues across three generations, offering unique perspectives that reflect Sarawak’s artistic heritage, evolving identities, and future creative possibilities.

Approximately 40 artworks will be exhibited, with an estimated total value of RM200,000, highlighting the breadth and depth of each artist's practice. All artworks will be available for purchase.

The Late Raphael Scott AhBeng

Known for his imaginative depictions of Sarawak’s landscapes, RSA’s iconic work The Mountainous District

of Bau (2010) captures the hilly Bau region through layered textures and colours, evoking a village steeped in

memory. Another notable piece, Santubong (2014), portrays Mount Santubong—the highest point in Kuching

and a mountain steeped in local legend—rendered in Raphael’s signature bold colours and sweeping

brushstrokes. Inspired by his Bidayuh heritage, his abstract style invites viewers to see the land as spiritual

and alive.

TIMELESS: The Late Raphael Scott AhBeng - The Mountainous District of Bau (2010) and Santubong (2014).

Over a career that spanned more than 60 years, Raphael painted with passion and determination, constantly

striving to improve. He was also a teacher, cartoonist, and radio producer, but art remained his lifelong pursuit.

His distinctive style, marked by dynamic strokes and vibrant palettes, earned him international acclaim.

In 1964, he received a scholarship to the Bath Academy of Art in England and travelled extensively across Europe, where he encountered the works of the great masters. These experiences, along with his background

in drama and broadcasting, shaped his deeply expressive artistic voice.

His influence extended beyond Malaysian borders, most notably when his painting Passage to Endau (1987)

was featured at Christie’s Hong Kong auction in 2014, solidifying his status as an internationally recognised

artist.

ART-FULLY: Raphael, Passage to Endau (1987). Featured in Christie’s Hong Kong, Live Auction 3452: Asian 20th Century Art (Day Sale), 24 November 2014, Lot 181.

Today, Raphael remains one of the most celebrated artists from Borneo, with works held in prominent collections such as Petronas Gallery and the National Art Gallery Malaysia, as well as private and institutional

collections worldwide.

Sylvester Wielding Jussem

Sylvester, who studied under his late mentor Raphael for more than forty years, honours his mentor's legacy

by combining figurative detail with cultural storytelling. He is currently a lecturer at the Faculty of Applied and

Creative Arts at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), where he continues to inspire and guide a new

generation of artists.

RITUALISTIC: Sylvester - Ruyank’ng and Rasunk’ng of the Ring Ladies, Kampung Semban (2023) and Tetilip Bird Paradise II (2014).

Among his standout works are Ruyank’ng and Rasunk’ng of the Ring Ladies, Kampung Semban (2023) and

Tetilip Bird Paradise II. These pieces highlight elements of Bumiputera identity through representations of traditional attire, ritual, and symbolism—focusing particularly on the hands, feet, and adornments of the human

form. Tetilip Bird Paradise II, in particular, draws from Melanau cultural traditions, referencing the Pesta Kaul

and the spiritual symbolism of the dove in Nipah palm weaving, where the bird is believed to carry souls to

paradise and symbolises peace and healing.

His practice preserves key aspects of Bumiputera culture while engaging with broader Sarawakian traditions,

presenting them in a contemporary and deeply personal way—honouring heritage while exploring how it

continues to evolve.

Dr Mohamad Faizuan Mat

A mentee of Sylvester for over 16 years, Faizuan represents the experimental voice of the third generation in

this exhibition—continuing the intergenerational artistic dialogue at the heart of The Continuum: 3 Generasi.

He currently serves as Deputy Director at the Institute of Creative Arts and Technology, Unimas.

MODERN: Faizuan - Benak I (Cyan Series) (2025) and Alun-alun Kalas I (2025).

His abstract paintings are rich in motion and colour, inspired by natural forces such as the tidal bore (benak), wind, and light. Grounded in Abstract Expressionism, his practice uses energetic forms and layered textures

to convey emotion as much as environment.

Among his featured works are Benak I (Cyan Series) (2025) and Alun-alun Kalas I (2025), both of which invite

viewers to feel—rather than simply observe—the rhythms of nature and the world around them.

This exhibition marks the second major collaboration between Hoan Gallery and Pustaka, with the support of

the Sarawak Arts Council, furthering their shared commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and supporting

the development of the visual arts in the region.

“This art show spans three generations, and within it lies a powerful sense of time. The works, when seen

together, form something greater than the sum of their parts,” said Hoan Gallery founder, Kee Huang.

“Of all the exhibitions we’ve hosted at Hoan Gallery, The Continuum resonates most deeply with the idea of

rebirth—of past meeting present in a meaningful dialogue. I’m profoundly grateful to Pustaka for entrusting us

with their private collection. Their generosity has made this show possible, and I believe the public will be truly

moved by what they see.”

Throughout the month-long exhibition, visitors can look forward to art sharing sessions led by featured artists,

as well as live demonstrations held at Hoan Gallery. These activities aim to deepen public engagement and

foster appreciation for Sarawak’s artistic voices.

For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @HoanArtGallery.

Exhibition updates are also available at lapromenademall.com.my and @LaPromenadeMall on social media.