By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 11: Talented Sarawakian artists are always welcome to return home, as their creativity is vital in preserving the Sarawak’s artistic essence and cultural identity amid rapid growth in industry, innovation, and connectivity.
This was the message delivered by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the launch of Sarawak artist Marvin Chew’s first solo exhibition, Memories of Home, held at the Hoan Gallery in La Promenade Mall on Friday (Oct 10).
Wee said Sarawak’s progress must go hand in hand with the nurturing of creative minds who can use their art to reflect the State’s soul, document its heritage, and ignite the imaginations that shape its future.
“It’s important for our artists to protect their art as it is their voice, their identity, and their way of preserving the stories of our past while inspiring our future.
“I’m very excited to ask you to come back home. Whatever it is, this is your home. Come back more often and we need good artists like you. We want you to share in the bigger cake of Sarawak in 2030, where you can work with the people and share their lives through the memories that stay with us.
“Every painting you create reminds us that home is not only geographic, but also emotional,” he said.
Reflecting on Chew’s work, Wee described it as capturing a “quiet yet powerful essence of belonging”, with each piece offering glimpses of both personal and shared experiences, from lively street markets and nostalgic kampung scenes to landscapes that mirror Sarawak’s rhythm and heart.
“Memories of Home invites us to pause and reflect on what ‘home’ truly means. It may be the place of our birth, the people who shaped our lives, or the memories that remain with us wherever we go. Chew’s paintings remind us that home is not just a place, but also an emotion, a comfort we carry in our hearts.”
He also reaffirmed MBKS’s support for efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, emphasising that art plays a key role in connecting generations, building understanding, and enriching lives.
“I’m pleased that this exhibition includes interactive sessions where the public can meet the artist. Such opportunities inspire young talent,” he added.
Chew’s month-long exhibition, Memories of Home, runs from Oct 10 to Nov 9, featuring around 60 artworks valued collectively at RM300,000. All pieces are available for purchase, showcasing the breadth and depth of Chew’s artistic expression.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors can witness live painting demonstrations and participate in art-sharing sessions at Hoan Gallery, creating opportunities for closer engagement with the artist and a deeper appreciation of Sarawak’s artistic heritage.
Among those present at the launch were Hoan Gallery founder and curator Hoan Kee Huang, co-founder Augustine Law, Sarawak Artist Society president Sebastian Jong, and exhibition curator Ling Ke Jia.
For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @HoanArtGallery on social media. — DayakDaily
