Hoan Gallery to present ‘Under Sarawak Skies’ preview after statewide art expedition

The artists from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia gather to capture the beauty of Sarawak through a 10-day art expedition.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 20: La Promenade Mall’s Hoan Gallery will present “Under Sarawak Skies: A Special Preview” on June 23, offering the public a first look at selected artworks produced during its most ambitious art expedition to date.

The one-day preview will run from 11am to 6pm, with Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan expected to attend the opening.

The project brought together more than 20 artists from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia for a 10-day artistic journey across Sarawak from June 10 to 18.

Brandon Ritom immortalised the beauty of Fort Alice, Sir Aman in a plein air session.

Travelling through Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Sri Aman and Kuching, the artists created works on location through painting, sketching and visual documentation, capturing fresh perspectives on Sarawak’s landscapes, heritage and everyday life.

Participating artists include Ng Woon Lam, Ler Hock Chuan and Sarawak-born Marvin Chew from Singapore; Muhammad Rojana-udomsat from Thailand; Lee Choon Kooi, Lee Eng Beng, Tham Siew Moi, Calvin Chua, Jarence Yoong, Khoo Cheang Jin, Tan Suz Chiang, Ong Jian Yang, Peter Liew and Christina Chan from Peninsular Malaysia; as well as Sarawak artists Brandon Ritom and Ricky Hii.

The expedition took the artists to iconic and historically significant locations, including Kampung Wireless in Miri, Fort Alice in Sri Aman, and Padungan and Kuching Old Bazaar in Kuching. These sites provided opportunities to engage directly with the landscapes, cultures and histories that have shaped Sarawak through the generations.

Artists visiting important industrial locations at Sapor Shipyard, Sibu.

The journey also included visits to community and cultural landmarks such as Patrick Libau Longhouse in Miri, Kampung Jalan Abang Galau in Bintulu, Sapan Puloh in Kampung Telian, Mukah, and Pasar Tamu Bintulu. The locations offered intimate glimpses into local life, inspiring the artists to document everyday experiences and reinterpret them through their own visual language.

The special preview will bring together foreign media representatives, collectors, artists and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for an exclusive viewing ahead of the project’s larger exhibition later this year.

“For Under Sarawak Skies, we took the bold approach of embarking on a road journey across the state, venturing into rural communities and lesser-known locations,” said Hoan Gallery founder Kee Huang.

“The artists were able to experience Sarawak authentically and capture its unfiltered beauty.”

Ricky Hii puts the bustles of life on to paper at Pasar Tamu Mukah.

Lau Ung Ing of Big Lau Studio, who is documenting the expedition for a film, said he was inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity displayed throughout the journey.

“I am mesmerised by the energy displayed by the artists each time we arrived at a new location.

“Each destination inspires unique interpretations. Sarawak truly has so much to offer, and documenting these creative processes helps preserve the state’s heritage and culture while sharing them with a wider audience,” he said.

Artists painting while enjoying peaceful surroundings at Patrick Libau Homestay, Niah, Miri.

All artworks featured in “Under Sarawak Skies: A Special Preview” will be available for purchase.

Local construction and property development firm HSL has supported Hoan Gallery as a sponsor since its establishment in 2021.

“Supporting Hoan Gallery is a most meaningful CSR initiative. There are many ways for a corporate citizen to contribute to society, and investing in the arts creates a lasting impact,” said HSL marketing communications lead Abraham Tiong.

For more information, visit hoangallery.com or follow @hoanartgallery on social media. Updates on the exhibition and related programmes are also available at lapromenademall.com.my and @LaPromenadeMall. — DayakDaily