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A passage through time with doors and windows at Kwai Chai Hong

'Beyond the Moonlit Door 超月门窗' art installation in celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival will be up from August 26 to October 2

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 27 Aug 2022 8:00AM

A passage through time with doors and windows at Kwai Chai Hong
The art installation ‘Endless Frames’ is done in collaboration with award-winning architectural designer and artist Pamela Tan. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong, August 27, 2022

KWAI Chai Hong returns to introduce its latest art installation ‘Beyond the Moonlit Door 超月门窗’ in celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important moments in Chinese culture. From August 26 to October 2, members of the public are welcome to visit the picture-worthy laneway to be charmed by oriental doors and windows presented with a twist.

Beyond the installation is a message for all visitors – a note to self to learn from the past, embrace the present and seize opportunities in the future. The art installation embodies values befitting Kwai Chai Hong’s history and heritage, a culmination of previous events and current perspectives.  

(L) Giant Full Moon beyond the Moon Door and colourful moonlit doors. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong
(L) Giant Full Moon beyond the Moon Door and colourful moonlit doors. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong

At the main entrance, visitors will be greeted by an astounding structure, an artwork in collaboration with award-winning architectural designer and artist, Pamela Tan of Poh Sin Studio. The installation named ‘Endless Frames’ stars hundreds of intricate laser-cut acrylic sheets hung at various lengths, creating an illusion of time travel as visitors walk through this cavern-like portal which references traditional Chinese wooden doors and windows.

With Kwai Chai Hong lending itself as the historical background, it serves as a reminder to preserve the Chinese cultural heritage amidst a rapidly changing world. This passageway reflects the change in time while projecting bountiful hope and optimism for a brighter future at the other end of the bridge. 

Endless Frames above the Red Bridge (Hong Qiao), and moonlit doors. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong
Endless Frames above the Red Bridge (Hong Qiao), and moonlit doors. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong

To complement the theme, vibrant ‘Moonlit Doors’ take over the laneway, chartering a path to the full moon on display. These doors symbolise the many opportunities and hope life has to offer and those who take action will reap its benefits. The colours of the frames add a twist to the traditional look, paying homage to paper lanterns available during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

On the featured collaboration, artist Pamela Tan says, “In my journey as an architectural designer and artist, I value experiences that allow me to take part in the community which essentially is about sharing responsibility. I’m grateful to collaborate with the team behind Kwai Chai Hong who has made such an impact on the local community since its launch.”

Colourful lanterns along Lorong Panggung. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong
Colourful lanterns along Lorong Panggung. – Pic courtesy of Kwai Chai Hong

She adds, “While technology advancements are great, the flip side is that life tends to move so fast, that memories are something we can only grasp. Kwai Chai Hong freezes time for us to appreciate the past and welcome the future. With that, I wanted my artwork to interact with the surroundings while engaging visitors for a captivating experience celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Kwai Chai Hong will be open to the public daily from 9am to 12am. The ‘Beyond the Moonlit Door 超月门窗’ art installation will be available from August 26 to October 2. – The Vibes, August 27, 2022

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