NESTLED amidst the vibrant streets of Taman Paramount in Petaling Jaya, AweGallery stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of Dora Ong Suan Lin, whose own journey echoes the legacy within her family.
Founded in August 2015, AweGallery was initially envisioned as a conventional art space. However, the absence of a dedicated artist or art curator, as well as a limited network of collectors, have prompted a re-evaluation: A decision was eventually made to transform it into a versatile venue hosting a myriad of events.
"We first set up a restaurant next door, Awesome Canteen (IG: AWESOME_CANTEEN) in 2013. When the shop lot next to us was available for rent in 2015, we took it. We contemplated further about expanding our restaurant business," begins Dora, recalling how it all started.
Continuing, the affable 48-year-old shares: "The idea of a conjoined unit seemed cool. After some consideration, we kept the space empty for possibilities of events taking place. We wanted AweGallery to be a versatile art space housing anything from art bazaars to workshops, private parties and music launches. The gallery's name 'Awe' is derived from Awesome Canteen. We wanted the space and restaurant to share a similar identity."
An upcoming event, Paramount Art A-Fair, serves as a testament to Dora's vision for AweGallery. Featuring artists who previously held solo exhibitions at the gallery, this showcase is a culmination of diverse artistic expressions.
Two of the featured artists initially approached Dora with a desire to sell their paintings, sparking in her the idea to host an event akin to the ArtAffordable spectacle in Singapore.
"My objective transcends a mere art exhibition," she elaborates, adding that the event is being organised as a platform designed to educate the public about the value of art as an investment, and to encourage the support of local artists.
In a society where digital art is becoming prevalent, Dora's mission is to preserve and promote conventionally created art, urging artists to let hand-printed and hand-crafted works continue to inspire.
The selected group of artists for the upcoming show has a special connection to AweGallery, having showcased their individual talents in solo exhibitions.
This event isn't merely a transactional showcase; it's a nurturing ground for emerging talents, with Dora ensuring the affordability of the gallery space and taking only a modest commission from their sales. Her flexibility in terms is a deliberate choice to provide young artists with the exposure and platform they need to thrive.
TAPESTRY OF ART
The exhibition promises a rich tapestry of watercolour paintings, pottery art, oil paintings and mixed media creations (combining acrylic and oil). With no specific theme imposed, the artists have the freedom to showcase their preferred pieces, creating a visually stimulating and emotionally resonant experience.
Pricing of the exhibited pieces ranges from RM1,000 to RM4,900, making the art accessible to a broader audience. Among the multitude of creations, one piece stands out to Dora — a mixed-media painting titled "Bloody Rabbit" by Drew Funk.
Sized 60cm by 60cm and painted just last year, this artwork may appear simple at first glance, but its subtle humour and artistic wit makes it a particular favourite with the gallerist.
"Collecting art is more than a lavish pursuit; it's an act of support and recognition for the artist's creativity," muses Dora, expression thoughtful. It's about preserving a piece of legacy for the next generation and contributing to the historic documentation of our era, she firmly adds.
Art, she believes, serves as a historic record, capturing personal emotions and societal reflections. The recent period of Movement Control Order (MCO) after Covid-19 struck saw a surge in creative works, illustrating the emotions of artists during a challenging time. Dora's fervent belief in the importance of collecting art stems from a desire to maintain a robust and healthy art scene.
In a society where art collecting is often perceived as a luxury reserved for the affluent, Dora advocates for a shift in perspective. She believes that collecting art is an act of support, a form of investment, and an essential contribution to a thriving cultural landscape. As Malaysians navigate their artistic journey, the passionate entrepreneur hopes to inspire a collective understanding of the significance of art collection.
ARTFUL CONNECTION
Married to a Malaysian Sabahan, the Singapore-born Dora, who has called Malaysia home for the past 23 years, has a deep connection to the art world, courtesy of her father, Ong Kim Seng.
"My father was an internationally renowned water-colourist hailing from Singapore, who carved a path for himself as a full-time artist in the 1980s," shares the mother-of-two, pride lacing her voice.
Her childhood was painted with the strokes of his artistic endeavours, witnessing often the dedication and occasional struggles of an artist striving to support his family through his passion.
Despite the challenges, Ong's artworks gained international acclaim, garnering recognition from prestigious societies such as the American Watercolour Society. Even at the age of 78, he continues to paint actively, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene.
Meanwhile, Dora herself holds a degree in mass communications from Curtin University and has spent the last five years orchestrating the operations at Awesome Canteen. A creative soul at heart, she not only manages the gallery, but also paints shoes, showcasing her exquisite creations on her Instagram account, ARTMYFOOT.
It is this innate connection to the world of art that led her to embrace "gallerism", creating a space that not only accommodates artists, but champions them with affordable rental rates and flexible terms.
As the day of Paramount Art A-Fair approaches, AweGallery has been transformed into a nexus of creativity, poised to host an exhibition that transcends mere visual delight. The gallery has become not just a space for art, but a sanctuary for creative souls to thrive and flourish.
Paramount Art-A-Fair
Where: Awegallery, Taman Paramount, No. 21, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
When: Opening today till Jan 28. From 11am to 8pm.
