SARAWAK’s landscapes and cultures have been captured on canvas in a new exhibition reflecting a range of artistic interpretations.
Oil paintings share the space with watercolour, acrylic and mixed media artworks.
There are also batik and Chinese ink paintings, a couple of experimental pieces painted on cardboard and even a few nature-inspired sculptures.
Titled “Under Sarawak Skies”, the exhibition at Hoan Gallery in Kota Samarahan brings together more than 100 artworks by over 30 artists from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
It marks the culmination of an art expedition across Sarawak that began in June, which took the artists from Miri to Bintulu and Kuching, with stopovers in Mukah, Sibu and Sri Aman, to experience and interpret the state’s landscapes, communities, traditions and everyday life.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the exhibition exemplifies art’s role in tourism and introducing Sarawak to the wider world.
In a speech delivered by his deputy Datuk Snowdan Lawan at the show’s opening, he said art showcases Sarawak not only as a destination but as a place with character, living traditions and progress.
“The artists visited kampungs and landmarks, markets and shipyards. They observed flora and fauna, our people and daily lives,” he said.
“Some of the places portrayed here may be familiar to us. Yet, when we see them through an artist’s eyes, we may notice something new – a detail, a mood or a colour that we had previously overlooked.
“Other artworks may introduce us to places we have never visited. They may encourage us to learn more, travel further and experience these places for ourselves.”
Abdul Karim also said his ministry believes that art appreciation is a yardstick of development and will therefore continue supporting efforts to develop the arts.
“We can measure a country’s development purely by its GDP, but we can also understand how successful it is by looking at how strongly its art and culture are appreciated,” he said.
For Catherine Moo, a Hoan Gallery team member involved in the project from the beginning, seeing the exhibition come together was a rewarding experience.
“There is a great sense of accomplishment in seeing the journey we began in June finally come together as an exhibition.
“Every artist sees Sarawak differently and that is what makes this exhibition so special. Together, the works show just how much there is to see, experience and appreciate about Sarawak.”
Reflecting the artists’ broad range of interests, the artworks depict a variety of subjects, from landscapes and nature to villages, city streets, cultural traditions and scenes of daily life.
The unique sight of live chickens individually wrapped in newspaper at Sibu Central Market seems to have attracted particular interest, featuring in at least three paintings by different artists.
Running from Sept 16 to Nov 8, the exhibition also offers a first look at the “Under Sarawak Skies” documentary produced by Big Lau Studios, which gives audiences a glimpse into the artists’ journey across Sarawak and the experiences that inspired their works.
Visitors can also expect to see different works as the exhibition progresses, with a changing selection to be introduced throughout its duration.
Ultimately, “Under Sarawak Skies” is a tribute to the places, people and stories that make Sarawak unique.
‘Dayung Borih Gawea Nguguoh, Kupo’ Raso II’ by Brandon Ritom showcases Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan (left) touring the exhibition during the launch ceremony.
The artists sketching a couple dressed in traditional Iban attire at Patrick Libau Homestay in Niah, Miri, during the expedition in June.
Sylvester Wielding Jussem’s ‘The Rasung Pride’ on display in the exhibition.
The artworks being installed for the exhibition.
