KUALA LUMPUR - Immerse yourself in a fusion of traditional Chinese brush painting and modern technology at the Dancing Dragons: Art in Motion exhibition, running from Dec 22 until Jan 12, 2025.
Organised by WELLS Auction Group, this unique showcase marks Malaysia’s first exhibition to incorporate QR technology with Chinese brush painting, adding sound and motion to hand-painted artworks for an interactive, immersive experience.
The exhibition features 50 captivating works by Chong Buck Tee, award-winning Chinese brush artist with over 50 years of experience and his long-time student Rosalynn Chua.
Both artists, seasoned exhibitors of Chinese brush painting, are presenting their debut ‘joint solo’ show through the innovative "Q-aRt" concept, which blends traditional art with virtual elements.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese ink and rice paper paintings, but with a modern twist.
By scanning QR codes displayed alongside the artwork, they can experience added layers of sound and motion, transforming the paintings into dynamic storytelling pieces.
For example, Chua’s 'Flowing Wisdom, Lasting Kindness' shows drifting clouds over mountains as the rush of a river roars, adding depth to the painted scene.
Another highlight is the dragon-themed works by both artists, celebrating the Year of the Dragon.
Chong’s 'Harbinger of Prosperity' showcases a five-foot vertical painting of a blue dragon clutching a fiery pearl, while Chua’s 'Emblem of Chinese Culture' is an impressive nine-foot-long horizontal piece depicting three intertwined dragons among the clouds.
All featured artworks are available for purchase, with prices displayed.
Chong expressed the importance of balancing tradition and modernity:
"Today's youth are more enthusiastic about modern art because they have been exposed to it in so many different mediums. However, there is still a place of importance for traditional art forms such as brush painting. It reminds us of our historical culture and gives us a new appreciation for beauty,” Chong said.
Meanwhile, Chua said this exhibition is unique since there are different technologies used to provide a new perspective for visitors.
"What makes this exhibition so unique are the different technologies that we are using to provide an exciting new perspective for visitors ━ a departure from the traditional art gallery showcase.
"Using QR, we can make the paintings feel more 'real' and allow more people to immerse themselves into the dreamlike landscapes, which we hope will help cultivate more interest and excitement around this traditional art form," she said.
The Dancing Dragons: Art in Motion exhibition runs from Dec 22, 2024 to Jan 12, 2025 on the first floor of Selangor Complex, Jalan Sultan, Chinatown. Entry is free.