By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, June 23: La Promenade Mall’s Hoan Gallery has brought together 16 artists from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for a unique art expedition across the State, culminating in an exhibition titled ‘Under Sarawak Skies’ set to be officially launched on Sept 16, 2026.
Speaking at the preview today, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting described the expedition as a meaningful initiative that promotes Sarawak’s culture, heritage and identity through art.
“Listening to the stories shared earlier, I could truly feel the passion and dedication behind this journey.
“Artists travelling across Sarawak, through rain and sunshine, keeping up with tight schedules, perhaps with only one per cent battery left on their devices, you must be exhausted. Yet, you persevered, and we deeply appreciate your commitment,” he said during a special preview of Under Sarawak Skies at Hoan Gallery in La Promenade’s Mall.
He said the expedition allowed artists to document and share Sarawak’s unique identity with the world through art.
The preview showcased artworks produced during a 10-day expedition across Sarawak, where artists documented the State’s landscapes, heritage and daily life through paintings and sketches.
Ting noted that the expedition documented many significant locations, including Kampung Tellian in Mukah, Sapor Shipyard in Sibu and Kuching’s historic Main Bazaar and heritage precincts.
He said such efforts complement the ministry’s initiatives to promote and preserve Sarawak’s heritage and cultural assets.
“Through your artwork, you have documented these places and helped preserve the stories, heritage and identities of the communities that call them home,” he added.
Ting also highlighted Sarawak’s cultural diversity, noting that the State is home to 34 ethnic groups, with Miri Division alone comprising about 22 ethnic communities.
He expressed confidence that the exhibition would provide visitors with a deeper appreciation of Sarawak’s landscapes, people and traditions.
“I am confident that when the exhibition opens on Sept 16, 2026, Sarawakians will be proud to see the masterpieces you have created, works that capture the beauty, stories, landscapes and spirit of our coastal communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hoan Gallery founder Kee Huang said the expedition was designed to give artists an authentic experience of Sarawak by taking them beyond the usual tourist routes and into local communities.
“The artists were able to experience Sarawak authentically and capture its unfiltered beauty,” he said.
The artworks produced during the expedition will form the centrepiece of the full Under Sarawak Skies exhibition, which will open to the public on Sept 16, 2026. — DayakDaily
