KUCHING: Hoan Gallery and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak will launch “Through the Canvas, Across the Sea,” a landmark exhibition featuring over 50 artworks by five renowned Peninsular Malaysian artists.
The show opens on March 21 at 7pm at La Promenade Mall and runs until April 21.
“Through the Canvas, Across the Sea” is Hoan Gallery’s 2025 season opener, uniting Dato’ Chong Hon Fatt, Voon Kim Cheong, Lee Choon Kooi, Loo Hooi Nam, and Tham Siew Moi — each presenting pieces that explore themes of identity, heritage, and cultural landscapes:
COLLABORATION: "Through the Canvas, Across the Sea" brings together five esteemed West Malaysian artists in a month-long exhibition exploring identity, heritage, and cultural connections through art.
• Dato’ Chong Hon Fatt (Penang): Known for his impressionistic cityscapes, Dato’ Chong has contributed several notable works, including his 2001 oil-on-canvas Tako Malindo Kuching (46 x 56 cm) and Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street, Penang (51 x 61 cm). Both capture the lively essence of Malaysian street life and cultural landmarks, showcasing Chong’s hallmark interplay of colour, light, and texture. Chong will also conduct live painting demonstrations during the exhibition period.
HIGHLIGHT: Dato’ Chong Hon Fatt’s works – Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street, Penang (2001) and Tako Malindo, Kuching (2001).
• Lee Choon Kooi (Kedah): Draws inspiration from woven carpet patterns and intricate textile designs, reflected in his multilayered pieces. He will lead a T-shirt drawing workshop, allowing visitors to engage more actively with his artistic process.
SHOWCASE: Lee Choon Kooi’s works – The People of Sarawak (2022) and One Face One Story (2023).
• Loo Hooi Nam (Kedah): Focuses on vibrant scenes of Malaysian life, using dynamic oils and acrylics to depict local culture with energy and depth.
STREET SCENE: Loo Hooi Nam’s works – Old Street Scene (2019) and Street Scene Kuching Sarawak (2018).
• Tham Siew Moi (Johor): Brings whimsy and dreamlike qualities to watercolours that intertwine ethereal figures with abstract shapes and colour, adding a sense of wonder to the exhibition narrative.
DISPLAY: Tham Siew Moi’s works – In The Moonlight 2 (2024) and Over The Hill (2024).
• Voon Kim Cheong (Kuala Lumpur): Presents bold, semi-abstract compositions that fuse traditional motifs with expressive brushwork. Attendees can also look forward to a special live music performance by Voon, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach to art and creativity.
TOGETHER: Voon Kim Cheong’s works – Not just here! It's journey (2025) and Not me! Not you! It's Ours (2025).
This marks Hoan Gallery’s first collaboration with the ministry, highlighting the gallery’s unique position as a centre of art appreciation and development in Sarawak.
“It’s rare for these five masters to appear together, and their enthusiasm reflects Kuching’s growing art movement. On behalf of everyone at the gallery, I’d like to thank the Sarawak Government for recognising the significance of this show and partnering with us,” said Hoan Gallery founder Kee Huang.
“I believe local art lovers are in for a treat—this collaboration underlines our commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural exchange.”
Admission to “Through the Canvas, Across the Sea” is free, and all exhibited pieces are available for purchase. Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting is scheduled to officiate the opening night.
Before the official launch, visitors can observe Dato’ Chong’s outdoor live painting sessions around touristic areas of Kuching.
Throughout the opening weekend, there will also be a drama interpretation inspired by Tham Siew Moi’s artwork, performed by students from Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, a live music performance by Voon Kim Cheong, and a t-shirt drawing workshop by Lee Choon Kooi.
Hoan Gallery, established in 2021, has previously showcased exhibitions by artists such as Alena Murang, Bong Choo Chew, the late Mdm Chong Liew Syn, Joanne Lau, and David Chew—ranging from modern to traditional styles.
Its emphasis on both emerging and established talents continues with this latest event, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Sarawakian art.
For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @HoanArtGallery. Updates are also available at lapromenademall.com.my and on social media at @LaPromenadeMall.
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