Palai Penang presents in one of Penangís largest and most elegant colonial mansions – Homestead. Built in 1919 and designed by architect James Stark, Homestead was acquired by the Penang businessman and philanthropist Yeap Chor Ee during the 1940s. Mr Yeap’s grandson and the trustees of his estate donated Homestead to the WOU (Wawasan Open University) in 2006. Although Homestead may be a continent away from the Italian palazzo of the earlier editions of Palai, they share in common the ability to awe and impress visitors as well as, perhaps surprisingly, echoes of an Italian architectural lineage. It is both fate and serendipity that the grand neo-classical details of Homesteadís architecture appear to be inspired by a sixteenth century Italian villa designed by Andrea Palladio.

Palai Penang gathers a selected group of international art galleries from East and Central Asia, the Americas and Europe into a single venue, offering access to international artists and artistic practices to local visitors in Malaysia.

At Palai Penang, the participating galleries present a diverse range of contemporary artistic practices within the environs of a classical building. These include video works, installations, collages, paintings and sculpture. Some works are ephemeral. While others, especially those of Penang-based artists Okui Lala, Chan Kok Hooi and Hoo Fan Chon, are inspired directly by, and respond poignantly to, the architecture and history of the exhibition venue.

As with the previous editions, Palai Penang seeks to inspire various conversations – between the contemporary art works presented by the participating international galleries and the historical architecture and ambiance of its venue, among the artworks themselves, between the international artists and the local artists featured and, of course, among the visitors.

INTERNATIONAL GALLERIES & LOCAL ARTISTS DIALOGUE

22 March 2024, Sunday, 3pm

Moderator:
Leong Kwong Yee (Blank Canvas, Malaysia)

Speaker:
Daniele Balice (Galerie Balice Hertling, France)
Hoo Fan Chon (Local Artist)
Okui Lala (Local Artist)

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