KUCHING, March 3: Sape songstress Alena Murang will launch her first solo art exhibition titled ‘Colours of the Highlands’ at La Promenade Mall here from March 18 to April 30.
The solo show, which will open at 7pm, will include almost 50 never-seen‐before pieces by Alena at Hoan Gallery on Level 3 of the mall.
Entry to the show will be free, with all pieces for sale, ranging from RM1,000 to over RM10,000.
According to Alena, for this debut exhibition, she attempted to “pour contemporary Kelabit stories onto canvases”.
She also described the works as a “joyful reclamation” of Kelabit heritage through memory.
The exhibition will showcase a decade of Alena’s art, including portraits and abstracts.
Some of Alena’s artwork is based on traditional Kelabit designs (‘arit’, in Kelabit language) with large encompassing swirls as a recurring motif.
Meanwhile, Hoan Gallery owner Hoan Kee Huang said he was impressed by Alena’s paintings.
“I’m floored by what I’ve seen, from delicate portraits to abstract pieces and beautiful flora. For the next six weeks, Hoan Gallery will become Alena’s gallery,” he said.
He disclosed that several ultra‐large pieces are kept tightly under wraps with previews of selected pieces to be held for the media starting next week.
“A three‐panel piece called ‘The Storyteller’ is the one to look out for. It comes with an audio piece, which gives insight into Alena’s process of receiving songs from her village elders.
“It’s hypnotic, emotional and timeless. That is truly Alena. Such art demands your total attention,” added Hoan.
For more info, visit hoangallery.com or lapromenademall.com.my. — DayakDaily
