Roar prosperously this coming Chinese New Year at Kwai Chai Hong

USHERING the auspicious Year of the Tiger, Kwai Chai Hong (KCH), in partnership with Tiger Beer and WWF-Malaysia, unveiled its latest art installation inspired by the majestic Malayan tiger.

Themed ‘Live Wild & Prosper 虎星高照迎新年’, the art installation spotlights the importance of saving the Malayan tiger and encourages supporters of Kwai Chai Hong to help raise awareness in conjunction with this festive period.  

Creative heads Alice Chang of Lai lai Art Studio and independent artist Odd offered their artistry in the effort to further draw meaningful connections that represent the relationship between the Malayan tiger and humankind.

Modern history

The photogenic laneway at KCH is currently decked in red and white cloth, transforming the space to bring visitors to a place of nostalgia...

Fusing new and old techniques that encapsulates the essence of the modern Chinese community, Odd presents his rendition of avant-garde stretch fabric and traditional papercut in his artwork titled ‘Stretched Out’. 

Having the forte of working with lycra cloth, as well as wood and recycled materials (due to prior work with homegrown sustainable label Biji-biji), the artist shared that the work with KCH is his first ever commercial work, “… that I’m very excited about.”

“I actually reached out to the people behind KCH first. At the time, they were already in the midst of looking to collaborate with creatives for Chinese New Year. 

“So when they saw my portfolio detailing my artworks, the collaboration was formed – this was two months ago,” he added, noting that he learned a lot since.

“I was introduced to the history – and art – of Chinese paper cutting where I tried to explore the traditional design by making it more experimental."

Odd, who has experience in stage design notes that his latest artwork is more freestyle because of the current venue his art is being showcased in. 

“On the first day, I only managed to do the top layer and already the process was tiresome. There was a lot of trial and error to layer the lycras and in total it took us about 3 days to have the fabrics successfully up.

“I have to play with the surrounding elements, taking careful consideration not to destroy the structures and trees that make this place authentic.

“Even the murals, I did not want to hide them when looking for the tying points (that help hoist the fabrics in position),” he shared.

According to the artist, his goal was (also) more about accentuating the laneway. Perfect with the spot being the latest Instagrammable spot in town.

“There was no dictation over the art, and I was willing to work with them by fusing ideas together. I felt that the relationship was natural.”

Sharing in detail about his background and inspirations, the independent artist expressed how he is open to participate in engagements of this kind, "... even cross-collaborate with other artists”.

“Because of my work, be it art or music, I get to travel to quite a fair amount of festivals, especially in Europe,” he said.

“During which I get to assist various artists with their work and learn from them directly. This type of experience is very appealing to me.

“I think everybody needs to be explorative, and that means by seeing the world whenever possible to help understand themselves more first, and then the art,” he added.

Reflecting his hopes for the year, he wishes to be “... just like the Tiger.”

“Keep moving on, try something new, maybe try out 3D string art (in the next chapter) and approach more people,” expressed Odd, adding that he is about to release compilations of his music soon as well.

Celebrate with compassion

Visitors keen on visiting the latest installation at KCH can also enjoy the ‘Malayan Tiger Family’ sculpture created by Alice Chang.

The sculpture depicts a pair of parent tigers looking after their cub, portraying love, hope, nurture, protection and support – symbolic to how strength and power is synonymous with the feline creature.

However without care and respect, even the most powerful are at risk and this is comparable to human life. 

Bai Chuan Management Zeen Chang shared: “Chinese New Year is a big deal in Chinese culture as it symbolises the closing of the old year and welcomes in luck and prosperity to the new one.”

“For the Year of the Tiger, my team and I wanted to do something special and meaningful, not just for the community around us but also the larger ecosystem which we live in. 

“It’s devastating for the Malayan tiger to be on the brink of extinction, and we want to do our part, to influence and educate the public through art,” added Chang.

“We are fortunate to have met such wonderful artists who share the same passion as us. There is no effort too small and no help too little, we urge everyone to be a part of that change with us.” – The Vibes, January 15, 2022

*Kwai Chai Hong will be open to the public daily from 9am to 10pm, with strict SOPs observed within its premises. The Live Wild & Prosper art installation will be available from January 14th to February 20th. For more details about the inspiration behind Live Wild & Prosper 虎星高照迎新年 art installation, visit https://www.kwaichaihong.com/live-wild-prosper.