I AM A PRAYER: A WLG Incubator Young Artists Show featuring artists Lee Mok Yee and Ryan Naga

‘I AM A PRAYER’ explores the nuanced interplay between home, identity, and spirituality through compelling artistic narratives

Wei-Ling Gallery proudly presents I AM A PRAYER, a profound dual exhibition that marks the culmination of its WLG Incubator program, featuring innovative solo works by Malaysian artists Lee Mok Yee and Ryan Naga.

Launched in 2020, the WLG Incubator has become a pioneering platform for nurturing progressive Malaysian artists, offering them a safe and supportive environment to experiment, discuss and create. The selection process required curators to research and identify ideal candidates who were then invited to elaborate on their vision. Lee and Naga received confirmation, after successfully passing further selection process.

Above 步步高升 - “May you rise to greater heights with each step”; wood, incense, Chinese cymbal, steel, paper mache with gold leaf, LED light bulb, automatic baby cradle

步步高升 - “May you rise to greater heights with each step”; wood, incense, Chinese cymbal, steel, paper mache with gold leaf, LED light bulb, automatic baby cradle

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Over a meticulous seven-month mentorship under the guidance of celebrated artist-researcher Rajinder Singh, and with insights from guest mentor Anida Yoeu Ali, gallery mentor Lim Wei-Ling and programme coordinator Amanda Ariawan, the artists embarked on a transformative journey of discovery and creation.

The exhibition’s title, I AM A PRAYER, reflects the meditative process of the artists. For Lee and Naga, the act of creation mirrors prayer—marked by devotion, repetition and introspection. Together, their works engage audiences in an intimate dialogue about identity, belonging and spirituality, offering a fresh lens on what it means to call a place or state of being “home”.

慕義 - “Mu Yi”; ceramic tiles, cement, wood, metal gate and laser cut acrylic

It is a PLEASURE to meet you; wood, collected furniture part, incense, Chinese divination wood, light bulb, brass and laser cut acrylic

This is how we begin and how we end; wood cork, collected furniture part, wood and needle

Between Us; wood cork, collected furniture part, wood and needle

My father used to test me about the map; charcoal and pencil on acid free paper

我是一名成功的藝術家 - I am a Successful Artist; UV print on acrylic with wooden frame

祖 (Guang Zong Yao Zhu) - “Illuminating the family name with glory”; Fine Art Print on ILFORD Torinoko Washi 110gsm fine art paper

My Playground reflects Lee’s childhood memories of being in his parents’ shop

Photo 1 of 9 慕義 - “Mu Yi”; ceramic tiles, cement, wood, metal gate and laser cut acrylic

Photo 2 of 9 It is a PLEASURE to meet you; wood, collected furniture part, incense, Chinese divination wood, light bulb, brass and laser cut acrylic

Photo 3 of 9 This is how we begin and how we end; wood cork, collected furniture part, wood and needle

Photo 4 of 9 Between Us; wood cork, collected furniture part, wood and needle

Photo 5 of 9 My father used to test me about the map; charcoal and pencil on acid free paper

Photo 6 of 9 我是一名成功的藝術家 - I am a Successful Artist; UV print on acrylic with wooden frame

Photo 7 of 9 祖 (Guang Zong Yao Zhu) - “Illuminating the family name with glory”; Fine Art Print on ILFORD Torinoko Washi 110gsm fine art paper

Photo 8 of 9 My Playground reflects Lee’s childhood memories of being in his parents’ shop

Photo 9 of 9 Lee Mok Yee

慕義 - “Mu Yi”; ceramic tiles, cement, wood, metal gate and laser cut acrylic

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Lee Mok Yee: Rethinking the Self

In I AM A PRAYER, Lee delves deep into the idea of home as an extension of the self, shaped by beliefs, family and relationships. Drawing from his experiences as a man, partner and son, Lee crafts symbolic structures that reimagine familial and spiritual connections. His works reinterpret traditional Chinese aesthetics and rituals. He blends materials such as wood, bamboo, incense and other found objects to create evocative sculptures like his reimagined Na Tu Kong—a contemporary take on the Southeast Asian spirit house.

Through his art, Lee explores memory and sexuality, pushing the boundaries of tradition while honouring his roots. His experimental practice invites viewers to question the spiritual and cultural elements that shape personal identity in a deeply personal and experimental way.

Naga’s “bird cage” where visitors could take part in his performance art element, answering questions about home

Photo 1 of 4 Naga’s “bird cage” where visitors could take part in his performance art element, answering questions about home

Photo 2 of 4 Memory Box VIII

Photo 3 of 4 Memory Box featuring debossing on paper

Photo 4 of 4 Ryan Naga

Naga’s “bird cage” where visitors could take part in his performance art element, answering questions about home

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Ryan Naga: The Search for Home

Naga’s works bring a contrasting perspective, focusing on the universal and collective experience of home. Using interviews and storytelling, Naga transforms shared narratives into a visually compelling series of drawings and debossed writings. Central to his work is expertly rendered images of pigeons, symbols of homing instincts, which serve as metaphors for humanity’s quest for belonging.

The debossed writings are particularly unusual, seemingly invisible until a light cast on the canvas reveals shadowy impressions of memories and reflections collected from his extensive interviews with the public about their personal experiences of home. Throughout the interview process, Naga asks participants to engage with their senses, identifying the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of home. These thoughts are then transcribed, with Naga selecting fragments of thoughts to create sentimental masterpieces as he toes the lines between memory, data collection and artistic expression.

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Through his minimalistic works, printed textiles and the performance of live interviews, Naga bridges deeply personal experiences with universal themes. His art underscores the fluidity of home, depicting it as a construct that evolves with time and memory, shaped by collective and individual rituals.

I AM A PRAYER will be on display until November 23, 2024 at Wei-Ling Gallery. The exhibition is available by appointment only. For appointments and additional information, kindly call +60322601106 or email siewboon@weiling-gallery.com

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Credits

Images: Wei-Ling Gallery

Topics

Wei-Ling Gallery WLG Incubator Young Artists Show Lee Mok Yee Ryan Naga

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