David Chew: A decade, forty creations

SAMARAHAN: The Hoan Gallery is set to unveil David Chew’s second solo exhibition in a decade, featuring over 40 pieces, including his striking 16-foot painting. This anticipated event will run from September 20 to October 13.

The Hoan Gallery and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) are working together on David’s art show, “Come Into Your Own,” by adding interactive features to make the experience better for visitors.

A centrepiece of this exhibition is David’s newest creation, “Past, Today, Future,” prominently displayed at the Hoan Gallery within La Promenade Mall in Samarahan. This remarkable painting is divided into three distinct sections, each symbolizing a different temporal aspect of existence.

David elaborated on the concept behind his artwork, stating, “The upper segment depicts the past, its subdued tones reflecting memories — be they joyful or poignant — that shape our narratives.

The middle section captures the essence of our present, where life’s vivid hues and contrasts are most pronounced.

Finally, the lower portion hints at the enigmatic future, deliberately left ambiguous, as it holds the promise of what is yet to unfold.”

During an exclusive preview of “Come Into Your Own” on September 18, David shared insights into the creation process, revealing that the painting incorporates his son’s drawing in the lower left corner, along with cut-out pieces contributed by children from an art school camp.

Recalling the collaborative spirit that infused the artwork, David reminisced, “In consultation with the art school’s instructor, we decided to invite other young artists to contribute, enriching the tapestry of the painting.”

The monumental seven-foot by 16-foot acrylic on canvas masterpiece, which took a month and a half to complete, transcends personal narratives to resonate with a universal theme.

Expressing his enthusiasm, David declared, “While I have tackled large-scale projects in the past, this piece is my most ambitious creation to date.”

Describing his artistic style as abstract expressionism, David elucidated, “In this genre, the artist delves into the realm of the intangible, creating works devoid of concrete subjects, known as non-objective art. The dynamism of abstract paintings stems from their origins in the unseen and the ephemeral.”

David further expounded on his creative process, emphasizing the role of fundamental artistic elements such as texture, line, dots, and colour in shaping a distinct visual language. “Through action painting, the canvas becomes a record of the artist’s movements, capturing a spontaneous interplay of form and expression,” he explained.

Dr Nana Zheng, a prominent figure from UNIMAS’s Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, is a pivotal collaborator and curator for the exhibition, bridging the gap between the artist and the audience.

Reflecting on her role, she said, “Art should not just be appreciated by its creator. It should also resonate with a wider audience. I aim to facilitate a meaningful connection between the public and the artist.”

The exhibition’s standout features are interactive elements, notably the ‘Hidden Series,’ an immersive audiovisual experience that allows visitors to scan QR codes and enjoy music curated to complement David’s artwork.

The “Come Into Your Own” Exhibition welcomes the public to experience this artistic journey, offering free admission and the opportunity to acquire any artwork.

David Chew stands alongside his largest work piece.