Contemporary abstract artist, David Chew, to host solo show at La Promenade Mall

KUCHING (Sept 19): David Chew, a renowned contemporary abstract artist, will host his second solo show – ‘Come Into Your Own’ at Hoan Art Gallery, La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan from Sept 20 to Oct 13.

The exhibition will run from 9.30am to 6.30pm daily throughout the period, and will bring visitors to embark on the artist’s 30 years of transformative artistic journey.

It will include a collection of Chew’s works of arts, including his transitional pieces from his initial venture in impressionism arts to abstract expressionism in 2006.

Chew, who is featured as the Hoan Gallery’s third solo exhibitor this year, expressed his hope that his artworks and their connection with the environment could raise awareness for environmental issues and inspire people to take action to protect it.

His journey as an artist began at the age of 11, under the guidance of his late mentor Chong Liew Syn where he practised in watercolour and oil paintings.

Chew’s passion for abstract art developed later in life, inspired by the late Bornean artist Raphael Scott Ahbeng and American Jackson Pollock.

His artistic progression mirrored the evolution of art which was at its peak in the 20th and 21st centuries.

“My work reflects the values I hold dear. As I grow older, I internalise my experiences and lessons. My move into abstract art stemmed from a desire to make the invisible, visible,” said Chew who deemed the abstract art as liberating, allowing him to draw and paint as he wished, away from restrictive ideals.

Among his favourite art pieces is the ‘Past, Today, Future’ – a painting which depicts how we look back at the past, what we do with the present, and how we envision the future, he said.

“The ‘future’ is unpredictable but it is also a promise. There is hope for us and we can start now and pass this ‘wisdom’ to the next generation,” he said, while inviting the public to the exhibition.

Another interesting aspect of the exhibition was its collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts lecturer Dr Nana Zheng.

This collaboration provides visitors an immersive audio-visual experience where they can scan the QR codes to listen to the music while enjoying Chew’s artwork.

There are also some exciting upcoming events such as Art & Wine Appreciation Talk at 7.30pm on Sept 27; Self-actualization via Art Jamming at 2pm on Sept 28; and Post-Impressionism Art Talk at 4pm on Oct 5.

Entry to the gallery is free and all artworks are available for purchase.

For more information, go to hoangallery.com, or search @HoanArtGallery on social media. Updates are also available via lapromenademall.com.my and @LaPromenadeMall on social media platforms.