LIGHT and installation artist Jun Ong is putting the spotlight on Malaysia’s heritage and arts scene through an exhibition at a mall in Kuala Lumpur.
“Imaginarium”, in conjunction with National Day, features six installations inspired by the sights and shapes of Malaysian culture.
The exhibition, third in The Garden Mall’s “Exploring Local Art” series, runs until Sept 21.
In the South Palm section on the ground floor, installations titled “Kampung Cosmos”, “Wauscape” and “Bukit Benang” reimagine Malaysia’s slow pace of life.
Tie-dye textiles are used to form a wau (traditional kite) as well as Ong’s interpretation of Gunung Brinchang in Pahang, Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu and Batu Caves in Selangor.
Ong also brought in Haniff Salleh, a seasoned wau craftsman from Kota Baru in Kelantan, to collaborate in “Wauscape”.
For Haniff, the collaboration is a bridge between tradition and modernity.
“Campaigns like this help bring more exposure about traditional games to younger generations,” he said.
“Children need something that catches their attention.
“Once they are exposed to it, then they can learn more about the game and the craft.”
Haniff said that while many Malaysians might recognise wau as a cultural icon, few today understood the delicate craftsmanship required to make one from scratch.
“Every wau is unique, the bamboo frame, the paper, even the patterns.
“It all has to be balanced perfectly, otherwise it won’t fly.
“That’s something you can only learn by trying it yourself,” he added.
In the North Palm section, Ong turns kites and iconic Malaysian photos into a living screen in his “Pixel Galaxy” installation.
There are also soundscapes and augmented reality (AR) filters to bring the scenes to life.
Alongside the installations, the mall is hosting workshops and demonstrations until Sept 16, enabling participants to create their own keepsakes while gaining a deeper appreciation of local craftsmanship.
Visitors can witness Haniff at work during wau-making demonstrations or try their hand at crafting bamboo coasters, batik bag charms and even 3D doodle wau. — By ASHIQIN AHMAD
