Rissim Contemporary is pleased to announce "Two Tales," an exhibition featuring the works of Hana Tan (b.1995, Sabah) and Ong Pei Yee (b.1999, Selangor). Both figurative artists and graduates of Fine Art from USM Penang, Hana Tan and Ong Pei Yee present an evocative exploration of childhood memories, identity, and cultural hybridity. Two Tales will be on view at Rissim Contemporary from 6th April to 4th May 2024.
Ong Pei Yee's series begins with a contemplation of her childhood memories as she navigates adulthood. Transitioning into a new phase of life, she finds herself meditating on the simplicity and joy of childhood games, such as 鸡鼓棒 (chicken, drum, stick), 剪刀石头布 (rock, paper, scissors), lat tali lat tali tam pom, and eating thumbs, while also the use of plastic chairs in different arrangements to play games like 大风吹 (the wind blows), and musical chairs. Pei Yee reflects on the profound impact these experiences have had on her personal growth and whether life really does need to be as complicated as we make it to be. Through her series of paintings, she seeks to capture the essence of childhood innocence and wonder, as she deliberately paints closeups of hands, feets, and isolated chairs against a vague backdrop, much like how nostalgia is often surreal and fragmented. By
exploring themes of memory and resilience, Ong Pei Yee's art invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and growth.
Hana Tan's series centers on the liminal space of cultural hybridity and identity. Drawing from her background as a former tribe dancer, Tan's paintings explore traditional movement in contemporary domestic environments. Inspired by her transition from Sabah to peninsular Malaysia, Tan challenges stereotypes surrounding female identity by depicting her subjects engaged in everyday activities like washing dishes or vacuuming. Through her works, Tan prompts viewers to reassess their relationships with tribal and traditional pasts amidst contemporary Westernisation. Using a juxtaposition of flat planes and two-dimensional elements, Tan creates a surreal and immersive stage presence, inviting viewers to navigate through unfamiliar spaces and experiences. By manipulating surroundings and everyday objects as props for her dancers, Tan underscores the fluidity and adaptability of cultural identity, urging viewers to contemplate how interactions with different cultures shape and redefine identities.
As visitors journey through "Two Tales," they are invited to explore the intersection of childhood innocence, cultural hybridity, and personal identity. Through the vibrant and thought-provoking worksof Ong Pei Yee and Hana Tan, viewers are prompted to reflect on their own experiences of growth, resilience, and cultural belonging.
