EXHIBITIONS FROM 2023

As a street artist returning to Penang for a second solo exhibition, the artist presents "Recycle or Get Recycled," drawing inspiration from urban landscapes and their interplay with art. This exhibition underscores the pressing importance of recycling in the face of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, urging viewers to adopt sustainable practices. The artworks incorporate diverse materials, including recycled items, to highlight the potential of repurposing seemingly insignificant objects into impactful art. In a parallel series titled "Recycle Or Get Recycled," the artist connects the symbolism of third eye dragons to sustainability, emphasizing their cultural significance. With vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and intricate details, these works capture the dragons' power and spiritual importance, offering a compelling reminder of the imperative for sustainability and motivating action to safeguard the planet.

"Duality" is a complex concept that has permeated cultures and belief systems, representing the twofold nature of various aspects. From opposing forces like light and dark to the masks we wear in our daily lives, this theme is ever-present. Playing with the idea of duality, each artist was tasked to create two artworks, with one of each pairings displayed in two gallery spaces - Hin Bus Depot, Georgetown and ZHAN Art | Space, Petaling Jaya. "Of Spaces in Between" is an exhibition that explores these contradictions through the works of diverse artists. Each artist has created two artworks, one displayed in two different gallery spaces using Augmented Reality to offer viewers varied perspectives. This exhibition celebrates the complexity of human experience and urges viewers to embrace the intricacies of our world. It emphasizes that the twofold nature of things can never truly be separated, and it is through their contrast that we find balance and meaning in our surroundings.

The phrase "rekindle the child within" serves as the inspiring concept behind the art exhibition titled "Rekindle the Child Within," which showcases works by Titikmerah Collective artists exploring childhood in diverse ways. The exhibition includes nostalgic pieces, evoking simpler times and boundless possibilities, whimsical artworks capturing the playful and imaginative essence of childhood, and even darker tones that delve into personal childhood experiences. The central idea is to encourage adults to reconnect with their inner child, reminding us of the joy and wonder we often forget amidst our adult responsibilities. The exhibition employs various media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, to provide a multifaceted perspective on childhood and, collectively, paints a vivid portrait of this essential aspect of human existence.

A Photographic Exploration of the Serani Identity by Antoine Loncle. Several days after my birth, my mother received a letter from the Eurasian Association of Penang, Malaysia, congratulating her and designating me as an "A-class" Serani due to my father's French heritage, marking me as superior among Malaysian-Eurasians. This distinction became apparent when a close friend was denied association membership due to their Indian heritage, sparking tensions within the Penang Eurasian community about the definition of Serani identity and who qualifies for it in a proudly multiracial community. The debates over the composition of Devil's Curry, a dish synonymous with Serani culture, mirror the quest to define a "pure" Serani, questioning who has the authority to determine these identities and on what grounds. The accompanying exhibition delves into the intricacies of Serani identity, exploring the impact of colonialism, memory, and the evolving landscape of shared communities, offering a platform for self-discovery, dialogue on inclusivity, and contemplation of the complexities of identity.

"All Day I Dream About Chairs" is an exhibition by Dhavinder Singh, stemming from his Hin Bus Depot residency. It comprises seven dreamlike paintings set against black backgrounds, using chairs as symbols that connect memory and emotion, inviting viewers to bridge the conscious and subconscious. The exhibition explores the power of dreams, prompting reflection and a connection to inner worlds. Dreams, akin to chairs as contemplative spaces, often inspire artists within the intangible realm of thought, and this exhibition weaves dreams and memories into a profound tapestry of spaces, narrated through seven evocative paintings, where the seemingly mundane chairs reappear as poignant symbols connecting memory and emotion.

Fong Sheeney, an emerging Chinese calligraphy artist in Kuala Lumpur, debuts her solo exhibition, "IN THE BEGINNING, Chapter 1: Light | Dark." Her work harmonizes classical Chinese calligraphy with contemporary expression, reflecting her evolving narrative and shifting perspectives. She draws inspiration from the boundless Universe, using each calligraphic stroke to explore new artistic horizons. "Chapter 1: Light | Dark" marks a significant point in her calligraphic journey, celebrating the cosmic dawn and creation. The exhibition showcases meticulously crafted Chinese calligraphy pieces, inviting viewers to explore tactility, sensory perception, spatial dimensions, and the interplay of ambient light.

Embark on an evocative journey into the socio-political sphere with PRETTY UGLY, the latest exhibition by Thomas Powell, marking his most politically charged work to date. A culmination of more than half a decade of relentless production, Powell's creations delve into the nuanced layers of capitalism and inequality, unraveling the threads that weave the fabric of our societal norms. 

Within the tapestry of this exhibition, Powell explores the constructed divisions that define us as human beings, challenging us to confront the uncomfortable truth that these divisions are nothing more than human-made illusions.

In PRETTY UGLY, Powell challenges the viewer to peel back the layers of the conditioned perspectives that perpetuate these divides and acknowledge the shared humanity beneath. The exhibition serves as a mirror reflecting the fractures in our societal structure while urging us to ponder and take conscious steps towards dismantling the illusions that separate us. As each piece entices contemplation, PRETTY UGLY becomes a call to action, inviting us to transcend the superficial distinctions and recognize our shared humanity.