By Yvonne Tuah
KUCHING, Oct 8: Acclaimed Kuching-born watercolourist Marvin Chew returns to his roots with “Memories of Home”, an evocative exhibition at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall that celebrates the very soul of Sarawak.
Through delicate yet deliberate brushstrokes, Chew captures the essence of Sarawak both past and present, translated into moments that feel alive on paper.
Working with both watercolour and acrylic, Chew captures fleeting moments with clarity and sensitivity, the play of light on water, the heaviness of humid afternoons, and the stillness of early dawn. His command of the mediums elevates everyday scenes into lasting reflections of place and memory.
Life Repainted
A graduate in Accountancy, Chew once led a life defined by numbers; balancing ledgers, and crunching numbers, chasing the stability that came with a corporate career. Yet beneath the neat columns and structured routine, a deeper calling quietly persisted.
In 2002, Chew picked up the brush once more, attending art classes and learning from renowned senior watercolourist, Loy Chye Chuan. What began as a rekindled hobby soon became a consuming pursuit. A decade later, in 2012, he made a life-changing decision: to leave the corporate world behind and embrace art full time.
Since then, Chew has held several solo exhibitions in Singapore, with his latest and first in Sarawak being ‘Memories of Home’ at Hoan Gallery. His works have drawn the attention of art enthusiasts worldwide, with some pieces now gracing collections as far as the United Kingdom and beyond.
“At 50 years old, I am grateful for the international recognition my art has received; yet it is in Sarawak that my artistic journey feels most complete. ‘Memories of Home’ is therefore my gift to the place closest to my heart,” shared Chew.
Sarawak in a Time Capsule
For his latest exhibition at Hoan Gallery, Chew presented a sweeping visual journey across Sarawak, each painting a heartfelt ode to the everyday scenes that define the State’s identity.
Eye-catching pieces such as Sibu’s Central Market, 2025 capture the familiar scenes of pavements still wet from freshly washed produce and the hum of conversations between locals. Equally evocative is My Beloved Hometown, Kuching City, 2025, which presents a bird’s-eye view of Kuching from Medan Pelita’s multi-storey car park.
Though widely recognised for his striking cityscapes, Chew admitted he has a soft spot for kampung life. Earlier this year, he had spent several days immersed in rural communities across Sarawak, including the far reaches of Kapit, where he found inspiration in the people, the river, and the tranquillity of everyday routines.
Highlights of his works include Chance Encounter, Kapit’s Prahuu’, Open Air Market, Stillness in Blue, Market Medley and many more.
Chew’s works goes beyond depicting scenery. They serve as a visual time capsule, bridging Sarawak before and Sarawak now. While progress and development are essential to the State’s growth, his paintings offer a poignant window into the past, preserving what time often erased.
“His paintings awaken childhood memories that many of us share. I hope this exhibition reminds us that Sarawak is more than a homeland; it is where our roots remain, no matter how far we wander.” said Hoan Kee Huang, Gallery director.
“In many ways, his paintings preserve our collective memory, ensuring that the stories of Sarawak live on for years to come. It is a privilege for Hoan Gallery to share these works with the community, and to celebrate Marvin’s journey home through art.”
The exhibition also chronicled Sarawak’s development, not as a static narrative but as a dialogue between past and present. Curator Ling Ke Jia shared that the collection was meant to spark reflection on how far the land had come and what memories endured.
“Because of development, many of our landscapes have changed,” Ling noted. “While we understand that progress is inevitable and vital to advance our State’s growth, it is also important to think about what will remain in the future, and what will be told as stories of the past.”
A Platform for Local Talents
Meanwhile, Chew lauded Hoan Gallery for providing a dedicated space for artists like himself to showcase their work.
“We actually lack places and facilities like this,” he said. “We need more, so that we can promote and expose Sarawakian art to a wider audience. Then, Sarawakian artists can truly showcase their work.”
On another note, Ling expressed hope that exhibitions such as this would encourage the local community to become more engaged in appreciating art and supporting local artists.
“For our visitors, we want them to leave their memories with us here, and perhaps bring home a new one after visiting this exhibition,” she added.
Throughout the month-long exhibition, visitors can witness live demonstrations and take part in art-sharing sessions at Hoan Gallery, creating opportunities for closer interaction with the artist and fostering a deeper appreciation of Sarawak’s artistic heritage.
Open from Oct 10 to Nov 9 at La Promenade Mall, the exhibition invites audiences to journey through Sarawak’s evolving landscapes—from bustling city streets to the tranquil rhythms of kampung life—through the artist’s eyes.
‘Memories of Home’ will feature approximately 60 artworks, with an estimated value of RM300,000, highlighting the breadth and depth of Chew’s artistry. All pieces will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @HoanArtGallery. Exhibition updates will also be shared on lapromenademall.com.my and @LaPromenadeMall on social media.– DayakDaily
