Kwai Chai Hong’s new art display that plays with light and shadows

The ‘Giant Rabbit Sculpture’ with vivid stream helix at Kwai Choi Hong or Little Demon Alley in KL’s Chinatown.

The Kwai Chai Hong or “Little Demon Alley” at Lorong Panggung in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown features a new art installation titled Illuminating Shadows by artist/sculptor Alice Chang.

The experimental art installation features a “Giant Rabbit Sculpture” and “Chaser Rabbits” that involve a play on perspective using lights and shadows.

It was initially created in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, and these installations are a reference to the festival story of the Jade Rabbit and traditional Running Horse lantern.

Alice constructed a cage, measuring 8ft by 5ft using metal wires and used square-shaped holographic materials to create an illusion through reflected images.

The artist said she takes inspiration from the impact on society due to recent events which have shaped a rather negative perspective on matters for many.

Strong colourful shadows from the Giant Rabbit Structure.
The Giant Rabbit Structure and The Rabbit Chaser.
Helixes of holographic materials cast vibrant coloured shadows on the ground with elements of the wind and sun.
At night, the laneway is illuminated with overhead red lanterns and holographic helixes that look like spiral curtains.

Besides painting, Alice who is also known by her international clients as Lai, also does a lot of embroidery and mosaics work, and pottery painting whilst being involved in charity works. She travels extensively to Italy, Tuscany where art is part of her daily life allowing her to foster deeper dedication and passion for art.  

She has launched Lai Lai Art Studio in Kuala Lumpur with a solo exhibition in October 2020.

Also on display at Kwai Chai Hong is ‘Vivid Streams’ which features on the twists and turns in life using the same holographic material that has been manipulated into various shapes, embodying the fluidity life has to offer.

With elements of the wind and sun, the shadows come to life with vibrant colours that are synonymous with the presence of beauty in everything.

Visitors will be delighted to find a change in perspective since shadows are typically dark in nature.

From L-R: Kwai Chai Hong partners Javier Chor, Coco Lew, Zeen Chang and Ho Yong Wee posing with artist Alice Chang.

Bai Chuan Management managing partner Zeen Chang said when she and her team first started brainstorming the concept, they stayed faithful to ensuring they have the key elements of traditional Chinese culture and tradition in every aspect.

“We wanted to create something that was relevant to fellow Malaysians during these difficult times and remind ourselves that everything is beautiful if we choose to see the beauty in them.

“In many ways, the cage-like structure symbolizes the rules and SOPs laid upon us but also the unwavering respect we have for all frontliners, and thanks to their resilience, brighter days are ahead. We wish to spread more positive vibes through this art installation and show everyone that there is hope as things begin to return to normal,” she said.

The free to visit Illuminating Shadows art installation is available to the public from October 29 until December 5, 2021.

Kwai Chai Hong is open to the public daily from 9am to 10pm, with strict SOPs observed within the vicinity.