Sep 18

Hoan Gallery to stage third solo show of the year

KUCHING: Hoan Gallery is set to present its 2024 third solo exhibition, showcasing the work of pioneering abstract artist David Chew, at La Promenade Mall, from Sept 20 to Oct 13.

The gallery has also collaborated with academics from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to introduce interactive elements to Chew’s exhibition, titled “Come Into Your Own.”

Over 40 pieces will be displayed, highlighting Chew, 50, as one of the region’s most prominent artists.

BIG: This monumental piece measures up to 7ft by 17ft, making it the largest piece of the show.

Chew, who embarked on his artistic journey at the age of 11, studied under the late Chong Liew Syn, mastering traditional techniques such as watercolour and oil painting. His passion for abstract art developed later in life, and his artistic progression mirrors the evolution of art in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Hoan Gallery’s director, Hoan Kee Huang, described the upcoming exhibition as “something completely different” and “a boon for the local art scene”. He said, “Come Into Your Own” celebrates the richness of local talent, diversity, and innovative thinking.

CHEW: David Chew’s solo art show, “Come Into Your Own”, invites viewers to experience the powerful fusion of self-discovery and artistic expression.

“This marks a departure from typical art exhibitions in Sarawak, which tend to focus on realism. Chew’s work emerges from modern art, with colours, lines, and shapes not intended to represent objects or living things,” Hoan explained.

Chew described his art as “internalised” and “liberating”.

COMPLETENESS: A significant piece for the art show by David Chew.

“My work reflects the values I hold dear. As I grew older, I internalised my experiences and lessons. My move into abstract art stemmed from a desire to make the invisible, visible. I didn’t just want to depict objects or the surface, so to speak.

“When I began exploring abstract art, I found it liberating—you can draw and paint as you feel. The late Raphael Scott Ahbeng is one of my inspirations.

“As a father to a young son, I paint with positivity in mind. A lot has happened in recent years, such as Covid, and I believe it’s important to create art that inspires joy,” Chew shared.

MOVEMENT: The series invites viewers into the intimate moment of artistic expression, celebrating the flow of creativity and the human spirit.

OLDEST ARTWORK OF THE SHOW: Made in 2006, this piece entitled Beginning and Ending, reflects on the fragility and preciousness of life.

Come Into Your Own will feature works spanning nearly 30 years, including transitional pieces from 2006 (prior to his shift into full abstraction), with most works completed over the past decade.

The exhibition will also showcase three collaborative pieces created with his son.

CONTINUUM: This piece is deeply personal and reflects on David's collaboration with his son.

“In 2020, while working in my home studio, my son—who is now seven—became increasingly engaged with art. He joined me in creating three pieces for this exhibition. The process of working together, I refer to as ‘the conversation’; it’s an exchange between us, but not just through language,” said Chew.

A significant collaborator for the exhibition is Dr Nana Zheng from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts at Unimas. Interactive elements include the “Hidden Series”, an audio-visual experience where visitors can scan QR codes to enjoy music paired with Chew’s artwork.

Another section invites visitors to name artworks, while a contemplative corner encourages them to write letters for others to read and take away.

REFLEXTIVITY: A special exhibition section where guests can write letters to loved ones or their future selves.

“Chew’s exhibition is going to astonish people. Kuching hasn’t seen an abstract show of this calibre before. This is the gallery’s most contemporary show to date, and I believe visitors are in for a remarkable experience,” said Hoan.