In an era where fashion often prioritises velocity over virtue, Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran has chosen a different path. The Malaysian fashion designer’s latest exhibition, ‘Myth Creation’, represents a profound artistic metamorphosis born from ten days of silent meditation in India and inspired by the rare occurrence of the Year of the Wood Snake – a celestial event that unfolds only once every six decades.
Following his ‘Myth Evolution’ collection, which explored his Chinese heritage and relationship
with the Year of the Dragon, Chandran embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage that would fundamentally reshape his creative vision. “From 龙 (lóng) meaning Dragon, I meditated on 变 (biàn) meaning Change,” reflects Chandran. “But it wasn’t until I discovered Vipassana meditation that I understood where change leads: 蛇 (shé) – the Snake.”
The catalyst for this transformation came through an unexpected acquisition: a life-sized charcoal drawing of an Indian Sadhu by renowned Malaysian artist Ahmad Zaki. The powerful work, inspired by the sacred city of Benares, became the spiritual cornerstone that guided Chandran toward his meditation retreat in India’s final days of 2024.
‘Myth Creation’ debuts with ‘Myths of Aura’, an inaugural collection of four distinctive works representing Renewal, Spirituality, Enlightenment, and Passion. Each piece embodies the Wood Snake’s virtues of patience, kindness, and introspection – qualities that mirror Chandran’s own journey toward creative renewal after three decades of relentless pace in fashion, marriage, and fatherhood. “Like the snake, I symbolically shed my old skin,” explains Chandran. “This retreat reminded me to embrace ‘this too shall pass’ – returning to slow, deliberate thought and self-reflection, free from ego.”
The complete exhibition that is currently showing at Chandran’s personal studio truly represents what he describes as “the symbolic tail of the snake” – a full cycle of transformation and artistic evolution. In a landscape increasingly driven by commercial demands, Chandran’s ‘Myth Creation’ stands as a testament to the enduring power of spiritual authenticity and artistic patience.
‘Myth Creation’ is open to the public until Friday at Fahrenheit88 Kuala Lumpur, and by appointment only.
