Hong Kong artist Sim Chan’s solo exhibition, The Infinite-land (Penang), presented at Blank Canvas in Malaysia, comprises three series: the 3D light sculpture In Endlessness; the light-painting installation series WindowScape, and the mobile light installation traversing the gallery space: the cable car series Wandering.

Sim Chan’s creative practice focuses on painting, sculpture and mixed media, employing humour to reflect upon social phenomena. This exhibition will also centre on Penang and Malaysian culture, incorporating local elements such as the Hindu tradition of smashing coconuts during Thaipusam, the iconic local delicacy durian, and the vanished old tram, to create new works that resonate with the local context.

In the series In Endlessness and Wandering, the artist creates mirrored, boundless perspectives within miniature sculptures, guiding viewers to circumnavigate the works and explore fantastical worlds enclosed within boxes. Through these delightfully intricate three-dimensional story boxes, the meticulous craftsmanship encourages audiences to patiently spend time uncovering clues within each piece. Peering through narrow windows creates a cinematic effect, immersing viewers within fantastical realms. Stepping back reveals intricate details encircling the works from all sides. WindowScape series, meanwhile, functions as a side portrait, infusing the amusement park with a rhythm of observation, contemplation and pause, inviting the audience to take a moment’s respite from the visual spectacle.

Each piece in The Infinite-land constitutes a miniature world, collectively assembling into an entire wonderland. Sim Chan likens this wonderland to the world we inhabit, guiding us to reflect upon our routine daily lives with playful ease. This approach also reveals the loneliness experienced by urban dwellers. 

Hong Kong artist Sim Chan’s solo exhibition, The Infinite-land (Penang), presented at Blank Canvas in Malaysia, comprises three series: the 3D light sculpture In Endlessness; the light-painting installation series WindowScape, and the mobile light installation traversing the gallery space: the cable car series Wandering.

Sim Chan’s creative practice focuses on painting, sculpture and mixed media, employing humour to reflect upon social phenomena. This exhibition will also centre on Penang and Malaysian culture, incorporating local elements such as the Hindu tradition of smashing coconuts during Thaipusam, the iconic local delicacy durian, and the vanished old tram, to create new works that resonate with the local context.

In the series In Endlessness and Wandering, the artist creates mirrored, boundless perspectives within miniature sculptures, guiding viewers to circumnavigate the works and explore fantastical worlds enclosed within boxes. Through these delightfully intricate three-dimensional story boxes, the meticulous craftsmanship encourages audiences to patiently spend time uncovering clues within each piece. Peering through narrow windows creates a cinematic effect, immersing viewers within fantastical realms. Stepping back reveals intricate details encircling the works from all sides. WindowScape series, meanwhile, functions as a side portrait, infusing the amusement park with a rhythm of observation, contemplation and pause, inviting the audience to take a moment’s respite from the visual spectacle.

Each piece in The Infinite-land constitutes a miniature world, collectively assembling into an entire wonderland. Sim Chan likens this wonderland to the world we inhabit, guiding us to reflect upon our routine daily lives with playful ease. This approach also reveals the loneliness experienced by urban dwellers.