By Ashley Sim
KOTA SAMARAHAN, March 18: In a landmark cultural collaboration, Hoan Gallery and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak will present ‘Through the Canvas, Across the Sea’—a major art exhibition featuring over 50 works by five celebrated Malaysian artists.
According to a press release, the exhibition — which marks Hoan Gallery’s first collaboration with the ministry — will open on March 21 at the gallery’s space in La Promenade Mall here and run until April 21.
‘Through the Canvas, Across the Sea’ is Hoan Gallery’s 2025 season opener, uniting Dato Chong Hon Fatt, Lee Choon Kooi, Loo Hooi Nam, Tham Siew Moi, and Voon Kim Cheong — each presenting works that explore themes of identity, heritage, and cultural landscapes.
Chong from Penang is known for his impressionistic cityscapes that vividly capture Malaysian street life, as seen in his 2001 oil-on-canvas pieces, Tako Malindo Kuching and Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street, Penang. He will also hold live painting demonstrations throughout the exhibition.
Lee from Kedah explores intricate textile-inspired designs in his multilayered artworks and will engage visitors with a T-shirt drawing workshop.
Loo, also from Kedah, brings Malaysia’s vibrant everyday scenes to life through dynamic oils and acrylics, while Tham from Johor presents whimsical, dreamlike watercolours that intertwine ethereal figures with abstract shapes.
Voon from Kuala Lumpur fuses traditional motifs with expressive brushwork in his bold, semi-abstract compositions and will complement the exhibition with a special live music performance, reflecting his multidisciplinary artistic approach.
“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.
“I believe local art lovers are in for a treat—this collaboration underlines our commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural exchange,” said Hoan Kee Huang, founder of Hoan Gallery.
Admission to ‘Through the Canvas, Across the Sea’ is free, and all exhibited works will be available for purchase.
MTCP Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting is scheduled to officiate the opening night.
Ahead of the official launch, visitors can catch Chong’s live outdoor painting sessions at several iconic locations around Kuching.
The opening weekend will also feature a drama performance inspired by Tham’s artwork, presented by students from Chung Hua Middle School No 1, a live music performance by Voon, and an interactive T-shirt drawing workshop led by Lee. — DayakDaily
