Under Sarawak Skies opens with more than 100 works from 31 artists
Hoan Gallery’s Under Sarawak Skies launched at La Promenade Mall on Sept 17, bringing together more than 100 artworks shaped by journeys through Sarawak’s landscapes, communities and everyday life.
DIVERSE: (From left to right) Ricky Hii’s Market Bound (2026), Lucas Kueh’s Tropical Rainforest (2026), Calvin Chua’s Gawai (2026), Brandon Ritom’s Dayung Borih Gawea Nguguoh, Kupo' Raso II (2026), and Sylvester Wielding Jussem’s The Rasung Pride (2025).
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said art has an important role in tourism and in how Sarawak presents itself to the wider world.
OPEN: Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan speaking at the opening of the Under Sarawak Skies art show at La Promenade on Sept 17. Snowdan was representing Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Art appreciation is one of the yardsticks of development,” he said, adding that art can show Sarawak as a destination with character, living traditions and progress.
Karim cited the importance of the arts and culture to the economies of South Korea, France, the US, the UK and, increasingly, China.
“We may measure a country’s development purely by its GDP, but we can also understand how successful a country is by looking at how strongly its art and culture are appreciated. The state of the arts is the state of their development.”
SHOW: Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan given a tour by Hoan Gallery’s Hoan Kee Huang and artists during the opening of Under Sarawak Skies at La Promenade Mall on Sept 17.
The Minister praised Hoan Gallery’s latest show, saying it stood out because it brought tourism and the creative industries together.
“The Sarawak Government will continue to support artists, and we are grateful for the contributions of the private sector—organisations such as Hoan Gallery and supporters, including HSL.”
Under Sarawak Skies is an exhibition that follows a road trip organised by Hoan Gallery for artists from Sarawak and neighbouring countries.
The expedition was held in June, from Miri to Bintulu and Kuching, with stopovers in Mukah, Sibu and Sri Aman.
Participants included notable artists such as Brandon Ritom, Lee Eng Beng, Jarence Yoong, Muhammad Rojana-Udomsat, Khoo Cheang Jin and Calvin Chua.
The full line-up also includes Marvin Chew, Lee Choon Kooi, Tan Wei Kheng, Lucas Kueh, Sia Yek Chung, Chin Kok Yan, Rapeepat Phonrattanapaiboon, Tham Siew Moi, Ong Jian Yang, Christina Chan, Ler Hock Chuan, Stephanie Eng, Bong Shin Siong, Sylvester Wielding Jussem, Magdalene Chiu, M Sahzy, Loo Hooi Nam, Ricky Hii, Jirapat Kreddee, Peter Liew, Dato’ Chong Hon Fatt, Ng Woon Lam, Tan Suz Chiang, Lee Hock Kia and Voon Kim Cheong.
UNITED: Under Sarawak Skies brings together artists from Singapore, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sarawak.
Along the way, the artists sketched at Fort Alice, Kampung Wireless and Patrick Libau Homestay, as well as at shipyards, markets, kampungs and longhouses. Their works captured working boats, traditional homes, historic architecture, local flora and fauna, portraits and scenes of daily life, creating a layered visual record of Sarawak beyond its better-known landmarks.
The exhibition is Hoan Gallery’s most ambitious.
Founded in December 2021 by artist and curator Hoan Kee Huang, the gallery began with Rebirth — Sarawak Is Art, Past & Present, bringing established masters, younger artists and historic works into one space.
The gallery has since developed a regular programme of solo and group exhibitions, with an emphasis on giving Sarawakian art greater visibility.
HSL, the builder-developer behind La Promenade Mall, has supported Hoan Gallery since its inception. Its support has included exhibition sponsorships and media coverage, while HSL directors have also bought artworks as corporate gifts.
HSL also features local art in its property showhouses.
Under Sarawak Skies runs until Nov 8. Entry is free and the artworks are available for sale.
EVER-CHANGING: The beautifully curated gallery setup for Under Sarawak Skies.
As the collection is larger than the gallery can display at one time, works will be rotated throughout the exhibition, giving visitors new pieces to discover on return visits.
For more information, visit lapromenademall.com.my, hoangallery.com or search @LaPromenadeMall and @HoanArtGallery on social media.
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