Cover Chan Karwai is a self-taught artist based in Malaysia
Chan Karwai is a self-taught artist based in Malaysia
1 / 1
Tatler+
From finding solace in the strokes of a paintbrush to redefining superheroes and exploring the depths of love, Chan’s art transcends boundaries
In the quaint town of Ipoh, a young artist named Chan Karwai has painted her life onto canvases, creating a vibrant narrative that transcends the boundaries of colours and strokes. Born into a bustling family where solitude became her companion, Chan found solace in the embrace of art, transforming empty walls into a haven of expression.
“Most days, it’s just me and the empty walls, and painting slowly becomes my solace. With every stroke, it feels like I’m engaging in a meaningful conversation with the vibrant colours on the canvas,” Chan shares, reflecting on her early years.
Above Chan is the youngest one at home, with
her siblings being a good ten years ahead of her
Chan is the youngest one at home, with her siblings being a good ten years ahead of her
1 / 1
Her artistic journey took a transformative turn when she stumbled upon Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, a piece that spoke to her on a profound level. “It was as if the paint itself was speaking to me. At that moment, a surge of inspiration welled up inside me, and I knew I wanted to become an artist when I grow up,” she reveals.
From this pivotal moment, Chan’s art evolved into a powerful series called Superheroes: Redefined, a testament to her resilience in the face of childhood bullying. “This incident left me without any friends throughout my school days,” she recalls. Despite the challenging experience, Chan channels it into strength, expressed through paint on canvas, where each stroke encapsulates the pain, freedom, and strength of self-empowerment.
Above Chan Karwai’s ‘Man Wonder Woman’
Above Hidden messages revealed under UV light
Chan Karwai’s ‘Man Wonder Woman’
1 / 2
The series’ centrepiece, Man Wonder Woman, challenges societal judgments on women. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” she urges, as Wonder Woman, adorned with a Victoria’s Secret logo, poses like Mona Lisa, conveying hidden messages visible only under UV light like the words. “These hidden words are, ‘A shallow mind, shadow inner beauty’, many people might only recall her beauty and overlook her strength. You’ll notice there’s a Victoria’s Secret logo on her suit, symbolising beauty, as Victoria’s Secret is every man and woman’s dream,” she says.
Chan Karwai’s ‘Sweet Child O’mine’
1 / 3
Chan’s artistic exploration continued with the series Cupid Rhapsody: Way Back To Love, inspired by her encounters during a post-pandemic journey. “Each encounter contributed to the mosaic of my experience, ultimately forming a connection with my Cupid-themed series of creations. I noticed a prevailing sense of ennui that had settled upon human lives, leaving some trapped in the monotony of repetitive work,” she explains. She goes on to elaborate on how she yearned to comprehend the underlying discontent, and Cupid, the emblem of love, proved to be an inspiration.
Above Chan Karwai’s ‘The Odd One Out’ which was auctioned by the National Gallery Singapore
Chan Karwai’s ‘The Odd One Out’ which was auctioned by the National Gallery Singapore
1 / 1
“In my perspective, this eternal envoy of love embodied the innocence and joy of a child. With hearts aflame for humanity’s love affair with life, these cupids arrived in the mortal realm like blank canvases, eager to experience human life and script stories of happiness for those they encountered. Yet, a question lingered: Why did people occasionally overlook the precious value of their own existence? As people grew indifferent to the world around them, becoming colder and less empathetic, the hues of love and warmth appeared to gradually fade,” she explains.
This series not only captured the essence of love but also led to a charitable endeavour. The Odd One Out, auctioned by the National Gallery Singapore, symbolises the Tropical theme, with proceeds donated to the gallery. Inspired by her recent interest in wine, she incorporated alcohol into this painting. “The artwork depicts Cupid holding a cocktail glass beside a hornbill in a tropical jungle setting with various fruits in front of them. Although the liquid in the cocktail glass appears transparent, it’s actually coconut water. Children shouldn’t consume alcohol, so Cupid enjoys coconut water stylishly instead,” she says. However, there’s an unexpected element hidden within: the grapes, which are related to wines.
Qing Gallery played a pivotal role in Chan’s career, fostering a deep friendship that goes beyond business. “The bond between Patrick On, the owner of Qing Gallery, and me goes beyond business—it’s a friendship filled with genuine appreciation. I am deeply grateful for his instrumental role in making my first solo exhibition in KL . The gallery not only showcased my art but passionately championed and promoted it. The support from the incredibly dedicated and caring gallery employees has made this journey exceptionally meaningful, creating an emotional connection that transcends the typical artist-gallery relationship,” she acknowledges, highlighting the emotional connection formed. Reflecting on her progress, Chan expresses gratitude for family support and the opportunities that emerged from social media and charity auctions. Her artistic path, she says, continues to flourish.
Don’t miss: Meet Patrick On, an art collector who founded his own gallery, Qing Gallery
Above Chan aims to build a vibrant local artistic community through collaborations and advocacy for the arts
Chan aims to build a vibrant local artistic community through collaborations and advocacy for the arts
1 / 1
Looking ahead, Chan envisions an evolution in her art through personal exploration and community impact. Keen on experimenting with diverse themes and techniques, she aims to build a vibrant local artistic community through collaborations and advocacy for the arts. To aspiring artists, Chan offers advice rooted in his own journey: “Believe in yourself, practice consistently, see mistakes as opportunities for growth, stay curious, and explore different styles. Take risks, understand the business side of art, and, above all, savour the joy of the creative process. Just do it, take the first step. Never try, never know.”
NOW READ
January So reflects on her wellness journey and resolutions for 2024
10 most beautiful Aesop stores around the world
Hotel review: Navigating the past and present at Aman Venice
Credits
Images: Qing Gallery
Topics
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
