Gallery owner Lim Wei-Ling’s 10,000 Books Project and her favourite art books

“Books have the power to transport us,” says Lim Wei-Ling, founder and director of Wei-Ling Gallery, whose passion for Malaysian contemporary art has shaped the gallery’s purpose for over two decades. The 10,000 Books Project is her latest initiative and it represents much more than just a donation of books. It is a mission to inspire curiosity in the next generation.

The 10,000 Books Project was born out of Wei-Ling’s longstanding dedication to documenting the evolution of contemporary Malaysian art. Over the years, the gallery has archived exhibitions, working with a diverse group of artists, writers, and photographers to capture not just the artwork but the stories behind them. “Artists are the ones who document the times through which we live,” Lim explains. “Collectively, their voices form the story that speaks of our times.”

It was this awareness of art’s profound role in shaping culture that led to the creation of the 10,000 Books Project. The gallery, through this initiative, donated art publications worth RM350,000 to 56 educational institutions across Peninsula Malaysia. The books offer students a window into the world of contemporary Malaysian art, providing insights into the creative processes of the nation’s most influential artists.

At the core of this initiative is a desire to make art accessible to all. Lim believes that exposure to art can change lives, especially for students in rural areas who might not have the opportunity to visit galleries or museums. “On a local level, students don’t always get the opportunity to interact with art,” she shares. 

“I recall as a student studying art for my Higher School Certificate in Sydney, that my art teacher Ms Ghent, (who was incredibly passionate and engaging) would open up these art books and enthral us with the stories behind the artworks documented within. I never got the chance to see the actual masterpieces until much later in my life, but the images and writing in the book provided me with enough to inspire me to study it at a tertiary level.”

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This project is not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering a deep connection with Malaysian art. “Through this initiative, our aim is to offer young minds a deeper understanding and appreciation of Malaysian art and artists,” Lim says. The goal is to empower students to explore their creative potential, to think critically, and to develop an appreciation for the diverse cultural landscape of Malaysia.

Through these efforts, the gallery hopes to build a lasting connection between young minds and the world of art, ensuring that Malaysian contemporary art continues to flourish and inspire future generations.

Here, to honour the transformative power of art, we turn to Lim for her personal selection of favourite art books.