IN a world where time seems to accelerate and the tangible fades into the intangible, talented artist Aiwei Foo's first solo exhibition, "Forever Gone But Always Exists", is certainly thought-provoking.
Currently on show at Suma Orientalis Fine Art in Kuala Lumpur, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a contemplative journey through six recent works on paper and a captivating piece of performance art.
Each stroke of Foo's brush and each movement in her performance challenges the conventional notions of time and permanence, inviting viewers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of existence.
"During my teenage years, I loved to write and submit my prose or poems to newspapers. Writing was actually my channel of expression," begins Aiwei Foo, her voice low in recollection.
Adding, the Sarawakian shares: "My creativity sparked from this. I was keen to propose ideas or present alternative perspectives. I explored different mediums to communicate my ideas, often with a sense of humour or in a light-hearted manner. Sometimes they were quite random, other times quirky or mysterious. It's my hope that my audience would reflect upon the subject matters communicated through my works."
The 46-year-old's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her quest for understanding the self and its connection to the universe. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and existential musings, she embarked on a creative journey that spans various mediums — from performance art to photography and video art.
Her exploration of the transient quality of life led her to incorporate diverse materials and initiate experiential projects that blur the boundaries between art and life.
MEMORIES AND NOSTALGIA
"When I was around 3 or 4 years old, I remember sitting by the dining table with a few adults around me. I asked myself, 'Why am I here? Who are these people around me?'" recounts Foo, voice tinged with nostalgia.
Continuing, she says softly: "Childhood memories, or any memories, carry a certain scent and sound, like music. I'd say that memory is sensual because it always feels like there's a place I long to go, yet it feels vague as if a distant memory or maybe it was a dream that I vaguely remember. This idea has stuck in my head for years."
Adding, she elaborates: "Now, I am starting to figure out that this is perhaps a non-place, which doesn't exist in any part of this earth, but rather, it's a state of mind. The location of this place is right within me, within us. I guess my works nowadays are pretty much going in this direction. It's an exploration of the notion of (non)self and its connection with this universe."
The artist's evolution over the years reflects a meaningful shift in perspective. From object-oriented works to a more holistic approach encompassing all the mediums that she's mastered, Foo's creative process mirrors her personal transformation towards a more sustainable and introspective lifestyle.
This introspection has culminated in her latest series, where she delves into the theme of impermanence with pencil-on-paper drawings, in a return to the fundamental practice that sparked her artistic journey.
TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE
"For pencil-on-paper drawing, the sizes of this series were challenging; they're the size of single and queen-size beds," shares Foo, who has a Masters in Fashion and Clothing Design from Aalto University, Finland. Adding, she says with a smile: "The process was very meditative, but it was almost like a sport too because it required endurance, perseverance and a certain level of physical fitness."
As she meticulously fills the canvas with intricate details, the multi-disciplinary artist and designer often contemplates the tangible and intangible aspects of existence, fully embracing the paradox of disappearance and existence.
"My canvas contemplates the transient nature of life," muses Foo, voice solemn, adding: "I encourage viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between presence and absence, creation and erasure."
As we near the end of our conversation, I ask Foo how she handles herself when faced with a "creative bottleneck".
Expression thoughtful, the artist, known for her unique approach to art and performance, as well as experimental music and fashion, replies: "When that happens, emptying the mind is better than forcibly exerting it with ideas. You can only fill the cup when it's empty. I'd meditate or sit down in silence for a few tea-brewing sessions to relax my mind and body."
Forever Gone But Always Exists by Aiwei Foo
Where: Suma Orientalis Fine Art, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
When: Until March 31, from 10.30am to 6.30pm. Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays
