There will likely be no wall space left at The Back Room KL come Dec 17 when the 1000 Tiny Artworks showcase opens to the public. It is exactly what it says it is – 1,000 artworks will be on display at the art gallery space at the Zhongshan building in KL.
In this collaboration between Studio Red Hong Yi and The Back Room KL, 100 Malaysian artists were asked to produce 10 tiny artworks each. Each piece measures 10cmx10cm. Each work will sell for RM100.
1000 Tiny Artworks is inspired by the annual Post-It Show in Los Angeles where all the artworks are made on post-it notes and sold at US$25 each (RM105).
Sabah-born artist Red Hong Yi visited this show in December 2019 and loved the idea.
“I loved that emerging and established artists were featured side-by-side, and how all the artworks were done on simple post-it notes and priced affordably.
"I was also immediately captured by the sense of community when I entered the space. People were happy and excited, chatting with one another and picking out artworks that they liked, very likely as Christmas gifts because it was so close to Christmas. I picked out two artworks that I recognised, by illustrator Gemma Correll,” says Red Hong Yi.
When she saw The Back Room KL, it reminded her of the space for the Post-It Show.
“It struck me that I wouldn't have known many artists in KL if it weren't for places like Zhongshan and the people I’m meeting there, so I thought this exhibition could be one that could bring the artist community together.
"I like the experimentation side of this project. It is an experiment on democratising art, where the public comes in to buy an artwork they appreciate without being swayed by how well known the artist is,” she says.
Red Hong Yi has also used a studio at the Zhongshan for her projects this year.
What's in Santa's bag?
To add to the festive season factor, the participants involved in 1000 Tiny Artworks are a mix of established and emerging names. From visual artists to graphic designers to street artists and photographer, the line-up is an eye-catching "fairly youthful" one.
The names announced include Chang Yoong Chia, Cheong Tuck Wai, Andrew Pok, CC Kua, chi too, Haris Rashid, Pangrok Sulap, Poodien, MeiKei Ho, Agnes Lau and Ong Cai Bin, which most art scene enthusiasts would probably recognise.
Add sape player Alena Murang, street artist Kenji Chai, printmaker Humana, textile artist Sheena Liam and photographer Annice Lyn, and you're looking at an interesting exhibition ahead. There is no shortage of surprises here.
And yes, Red Hong Yi is also part of the exhibition. In 1000 Tiny Artworks, the works will be arrayed in random, colourful grids all around the gallery’s walls.
Visitors will not know which artists are behind the works until after purchasing their selected art pieces.
All the works will be on sale on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to five artworks on the first two days, and with no limit on the third day of the showcase.
“For the artists, it is fun to stay somewhat anonymous until the artwork is purchased. It is a chance for them to create artworks in techniques or themes that they have never done before, without the pressure or expectation attached because of our own names or past work.
“I think this is a great way for established artists to support emerging artists, and for emerging artists to be discovered. The RM100 price point and the fun and small 10cmx10cm dimension of each piece makes it accessible and easily transportable. The theme is completely open too, and there's definitely something for everyone in there,” says Red Hong Yi.
The 1000 Tiny Artworks showcase also marks the physical launch of Artists of SEA, the latest initiative by Studio Red Hong Yi.
Artists of SEA is a diverse platform focusing on contemporary South-East Asian artists, within and outside the gallery circuit.
“My team and I started planning this exhibition in August. I can't thank my team enough and am so proud of them for putting this together.
“On top of hosting the exhibition. Liza Ho of the Back Room KL has years of experience in curating and organising exhibitions, so I am really grateful that she is my collaborator for this. She has given us a lot of insight about how to work with artists and how to display their works,” says Red Hong Yi.1000 Tiny Artworks is on at The Back Room KL from Dec 17 to 19 (10am to 6pm).
As a crowd control measure, all visitors will need to book a time slot here.
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