Hoan Gallery celebrates Malaysia Day with "Under Sarawak Skies"

La Promenade Mall’s Hoan Gallery is set to celebrate Malaysia Day with the launch of “Under Sarawak Skies” on Sept 16, bringing together more than 100 artworks by over 30 artists from Singapore, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sarawak.

HERITAGE: Group photo with Eightson Wilson, an acclaimed Iban woodcarver and cultural practitioner.

Running from Sept 16 to Nov 8, the exhibition marks the culmination of the Sarawak Art Expedition & Field Trip Programme, which took artists across the region to experience and interpret its landscapes, communities, traditions and everyday life.

COLLABORATION: Calvin Chua taking photos with Brandon Ritom and Salamon Gau during Salamon’s portrait session.

DISCOVERY: Khoo Cheang Jin happily painting a colourful boat at Kampung Jalan Abang Galau, Bintulu.

Supported by the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry, Under Sarawak Skies is one of Hoan Gallery’s most ambitious exhibitions to date.

What began as an expedition has grown into a larger showcase, bringing together participating artists alongside other local and international artists inspired by the beauty and character of Sarawak.

INSPIRED: Artists sketching a couple dressed in traditional Iban attire at Patrick Libau Homestay.

CAMARADERIE: Marvin Chew and Lee Eng Beng enjoying a leisurely painting session and conversation.

Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan is expected to visit the exhibition on Sept 17 at 8pm, where he will also meet the artists, collectors and speak at a media event.

Throughout the exhibition period, Hoan Gallery will also introduce a changing selection and arrangement of artworks, alongside workshops and other programmes. Visitors can expect to see different works and new perspectives as the exhibition progresses.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is a first look at the Under Sarawak Skies documentary, produced by Big Lau Studios, offering audiences a glimpse into the artists’ journey across Sarawak and the experiences behind the works.

For Catherine Moo, a Hoan Gallery team member who has been involved in the project from the beginning, seeing the exhibition come together has been a rewarding experience.

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INSTALLATION: Preparing the artworks for installation at Hoan Gallery.

“There is a great sense of accomplishment in seeing the journey we began in June finally come together as an exhibition,” she said.

“Every artist has seen Sarawak differently, and that is what makes this exhibition so special. Together, the works show just how much there is to see, experience and appreciate about Sarawak.”

PASSIONATE: Dato' Chong Hon Fatt painting the Tua Pek Kong Temple at Sibu.

CONNECTION: Jarence Yoong painting alongside a local child.

At its heart, Under Sarawak Skies celebrates the many ways Sarawak can be experienced, remembered and expressed through art; a tribute to the places, people and stories that make the state unique.

All artworks are available for sale.

For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @hoanartgallery on social media.

Updates on the exhibition and related programmes will also be available at lapromenademall.com.my and @LaPromenadeMall.