EVOLUTION OF ART

In commemoration of Malaysia Day, Sharuna Segaren speaks to LIM WEI-LING about how the local contemporar y art scen has evolved

L im Wei-Ling is the gallerist and founder of the contemporary Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. For its 20th anniversary, the gallery recently held an exhibition: “A Paradigm Shift – Reflecting on Twenty Years of the Malaysian Art Scene”. The retrospective exhibition reflected the evolution of contemporary Malaysian artists, as well as their current practices that remain significant with themes that have a pressing relevance in today’s society.

Although Malaysia’s art scene is still considerably young, the last 65 years has been a dynamic period of economic growth and socio-political changes that has inspired and influenced many artists in their artworks. Plus, our rich heritage and culture, biodiversity, and geographical location have all played a part in shaping creative and expressive artists in Malaysia today.

CEMENTING HISTORY THROUGH ART

The Wei-Ling Gallery makes it a point to actively encourage the works of artists who are authentic, experimental, and express their narratives through art. Along the 20-year journey, they have worked with many artists who create artworks that spark conversation, foster thinking, and reflect many significant issues and themes that have shaped Malaysia today.

Through their unique artworks, these artists are leaving their mark on history by offering their critical perspective of current themes that the future generation can learn from and appreciate.