Kwai Chai Hong or “Little Demon Alley”, a historical landmark in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, introduced its first art installation of 2021 with a new permanent art sculpture called “The Lady” by artist Alice Chang.
The Lady is created from thousands of porcelain pieces as an expression of turning waste to adoration, giving it a new lease of life.
Alice of Lai Lai Art Studio said the idea came about when she saw how a beautiful porcelain plate that has served hundreds of memorable dinners was disposed-off instantly the moment it was chipped. Chinese superstition believes that a chipped plate is an omen of misfortune.
“There is so much memory behind these plates that it breaks my heart to see them thrown away. Now I can give it a new purpose; an art-piece that people can appreciate for a long time,” Alice said.
Thus, the creation of “The Lady” sculpture now sits gracefully to greet visitors as they enter Kwai Chai Hong.
Drawing from the theme of “Everlasting Beauty”, The Lady is complemented with a traditional fabric-dye installation mimicking a traditional fabric-dye factory with colourful textile hanging over bamboo stilts to dry.
With the help of technology and in collaboration with Epson Malaysia, the installation represents how old and dying crafts are innovated and transformed into various forms, including art.
Zeen Chang, managing partner of Bai Chuan Management, which is behind the Kwai Chai Hong project, said, “At the core, Kwai Chai Hong serves as more than just an attraction spot. We challenge ourselves to recreate the wonders of Chinese culture and heritage and in that process, we strive to bring the best experiences to our visitors near and far.
“This year, we are proud to be working with Epson Malaysia to bring our vision into reality. At Kwai Chai Hong, we have always incorporated the power of technology and innovation to enhance one’s experience bringing people back in time.”
The Everlasting Beauty art installation will be available from now until 2nd May 2021.
Kwai Chai Hong is open to the public daily from 9am to 12 midnight, with strict SOPs observed within the vicinity.
For more details, please visit Project Kwai Chai Hong’s Facebook, Instagram or website at www.kwaichaihong.com
