Wei-Ling Gallery is a major stop for Malaysian contemporary art in Kuala Lumpur.
Run by the knowledgeable Lim Wei-Ling, this impressive collection of Malay art work is located in Brickfields with a show room in The Gardens Mall, one of Malaysia’s flashiest mega malls. Four staff reveal what they love most in the space.
Liem Siew Boon – Gallery Associate
Hamidi Hadi, Tangle II, Industrial paint on canvas, 145cm x 145cm, 2007
“Hamidi Hadi’s Tangle would have to be my favourite artwork in the gallery. The abstract nature of the painting, the drips and splashes of paint, and the combination of the colours to me, create a very joyful and unique feel. The artist’s dripping technique here is so spontaneous and random, the lines dragged and split into abstract forms, all creating something so very interesting. I find myself continuously discovering something new about this painting.”
Shaza Sofi – Gallery Associate
Ivan Lam, The urgency of inside looking out, Nippon paint on canvas on board, 60cm x 240cm, 2009
“Upon first viewing this artwork by Ivan Lam, I was instantly transported to my adolescence which brought about memories – both wonderful and troubled – surrounding that particular phase of my life. Regular eat-outs are very much the norm in Malaysia, and growing up, more often than not, Chinese restaurants (resembling the one seen in this painting) would be the most favoured pick for my family. This practice has not died out for us to this day, but perhaps the absence of any form of activity within this painting, along with the great level of realism captured by the artist, allowing the viewer to be one and alone within this setting is what creates a deep sense of nostalgia for me.”
Abbi Harris – Intern
Chen Wei Meng, Rhu Tapai, Acrylic on canvas, 45.5cm x 96.5cm, 2008
“The intricate detail and fine brushstrokes of this piece make it particularly striking. This painting reminds me of the time that I lived in the jungles of Malaysian Borneo for two months, and the tranquil, serene spaces that I was immersed in. The artist’s elaborate attention to detail, conveys his love for this setting, which is transferred to the viewer, causing them to share the same admiration of the scene. The slight distortion of the viewpoint creates an ethereal feel, and with the realistic style of the piece, gives the painting an intriguing quality.”
Emma Snashall – Intern
Noor Azizan Rahman Paiman, The CEO with his partners, oil on canvas, 153cm x 107cm, 2012
“Paiman has a unique charisma to his artwork which I find very refreshing. It has this unabashed playfulness and vibrancy that draws you in, it’s reminiscent of children’s illustration yet has this sinister back drop. Paiman paints a circus like parody of the business world which gives this painting an interesting juxtaposition. I am encouraged by Paimans work as I find it so unpretentious without being vacuous; I really feel it’s his honest comment on society.”
