In case you haven’t noticed, Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia have gotten bigger and better! It’s one of the many festivities that Malaysians never take for granted, and would go above and beyond to revel in.
Chinese culture is an integral part of Malaysia’s social fabric, with many structures and locations serving as a living heritage that keeps the history of Malaysian Chinese alive. One place in particular that exemplifies this is none other than Kwai Chai Hong. So it’s only natural that the popular location goes EXTRA in marking the auspicious Year of the Water Rabbit.
Kwai Chai Hong offers a quirky and eclectic installation using traditional Chinese Calligraphy in bold, non-conventional depictions; and over-sized blooms and greenery. With the aid of Yes 5G’s sponsorship, Kwai Chai Hong collaborates with local artist Jaemy C, who is recognised for redefining Chinese calligraphy in his artwork and exotic brilliant visuals.
Entering Kwai Chai Hong, you’ll be met with lush foliage of multicoloured plants adorning the walls and the bridge. The flowers are accompanied by a massive exhibit of stunning butterflies that will take your breath away. As you glance above, you’ll notice rows and rows of crimson lanterns sprinkled all over that tie the entire design together.
Jaemy also offers “Wet Hot Spring Thing,” an installation inspired by the year of the Water Rabbit, with buried enigmatic messages for viewers to discover.
Through the lens of the “Poetic Spring Garden”, Jaemy C has also included traditional Chinese Calligraphy – with an unconventional spin. The installation is one-of-a-kind, stunning, bold, and unapologetically eccentric, attracting modern audiences while preserving the history and heritage of Chinese calligraphy. It also communicates to the public, who are diverse in culture and language, yet share a love of Chinese art and its joyful symbolisms.
The concept of returning back in time to explore history and tradition has fascinated the younger generation, which is the inspiration for this entire exhibition. Hopefully, future generations will be able to appreciate Chinese traditions, which will not wither in the face of modernity.
The Poetic Spring Garden art exhibit is open from 9a.m. to 12a.m. from not to 12th February 2023.
