‘Under Sarawak Skies’ opens with more than 100 works from 31 artists
KUCHING, 18 September 2026: Hoan Gallery’s ‘Under Sarawak Skies’ exhibition officially launched yesterday at La Promenade Mall, bringing together over 100 artworks shaped by journeys through Sarawak’s landscapes, communities and everyday life.
“Art has an important role in tourism and in how Sarawak presents itself to the world, as it can show Sarawak as a destination with character, living traditions and progress. We may measure a country’s development purely by its GDP, but we can also understand how successful a country is by looking at how strongly its art and culture are appreciated,” said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his speech, which was read by Deputy Minister for Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
In his speech, the minister cited the importance of the arts and culture to the economies of South Korea, France, the US, the UK and China and praised Hoan Gallery’s latest show, saying it stood out because it brought tourism and the creative industries together.
“The Sarawak Government will continue to support artists and we are grateful for the contributions of the private sector – organisations such as Hoan Gallery and supporters, including HSL,” Karim added.
‘Under Sarawak Skies’ is an exhibition that follows a road trip organised by Hoan Gallery back in June. The expedition took 31 artists from Sarawak and neighbouring countries from Miri to Bintulu and Kuching, with stopovers in Mukah, Sibu and Sri Aman.
Along the way, the artists sketched at Fort Alice, Kampung Wireless and Patrick Libau Homestay, as well as shipyards, markets, kampungs and longhouses, capturing everything from working boats, traditional homes and historic architecture to local flora and fauna, portraits and scenes of daily life and creating a layered visual record of Sarawak beyond its better-known landmarks.
Participants include Brandon Ritom, Lee Eng Beng, Jarence Yoong, Muhammad Rojana-Udomsat, Khoo Cheang Jin, Calvin Chu, Marvin Chew, Lee Choon Kooi, Tan Wei Kheng, Lucas Kueh, Sia Yek Chung, Chin Kok Yan, Rapeepat Phonrattanapaiboon, Tham Siew Moi, Ong Jian Yang, Christina Chan, Ler Hock Chuan, Stephanie Eng, Bong Shin Siong, Sylvester Wielding Jussem, Magdalene Chiu, M Sahzy, Loo Hooi Nam, Ricky Hii, Jirapat Kreddee, Peter Liew, Dato’ Chong Hon Fatt, Ng Woon Lam, Tan Suz Chiang, Lee Hock Kia and Voon Kim Cheong.
With over 100 works completed by these artists, ‘Under Sarawak Skies’ is Hoan Gallery’s most ambitious, and will be rotated regularly throughout the duration of the exhibition. Entry to Hoan Gallery is free, and visitors can check out ‘Under Sarawak Skies’ exhibition until November 8, 2026.
For more information, visit https://www.lapromenademall.com.my/, https://www.hoangallery.com/ or search #LaPromenadeMall and @HoanArtGallery on social media.
