CURATOR'S NOTE
'Memories of Home' explores the dilemma between memory and change in Sarawak, where local nature scenes and heritage were displaced to clear paths for the city's rapid expansion. It invites audiences to witness evolution of their homeland; though sometimes preserved and transformed, sometimes lost in the track of time.
Through a series of paintings, Marvin seizes fragments of Sarawak's day-to-day scenes, preserving what is easily passed by. Flourishing greenery, atmospheric urban streets and quiet simplicity of fishing communities. While others preserve memories through the lens of cameras, Marvin documents his using brushes and colourful paint, enriching the visual details and emotional depth.
At its heart, 'Memories of Home' raises questions: How many parts of our homeland will remain the same in our memories? How many of those historical buildings and ancient forests will survive before fading into stories as 'what once was'?
This exhibition serves as both a tribute to the past and an embrace for change. While change is inevitable, Sarawak's tomorrow will differ from that of today - yet it's spirit endures. No matter how much time moves forward, Sarawak shall remain as a home - Ke Jia
About The Exhibition
"For someone who is hopelessly in awe of beauty and nature, it was torturing to be sitting in front of a computer looking at numbers and spreadsheets for hours,"
- Marvin Chew.
In 2012, Marvin took a bold leap from a "personality mismatch" accounting career to become a full-time artist. After almost three decades in Singapore - a place where he deepened his roots and found a second home, Sarawak remains his heart's anchor. Though growing up in concrete jungles, rustic fishing villages that carry the scent of river mud with birdsong lingering in the air evoke nostalgia in him. They are places seemingly untouched by time that hum the rhythm of simpler days.
In his first-ever solo exhibition in Kuching, Marvin captures diverse landscapes of Sarawak, ranging from restless city streets to the unhurried grace of kampung life. Radiating calm and spaciousness, his paintings offer a moment to breathe for those who are caught in the relentless pace of urban life. Seizing often-overlooked, dreamlike moments, Marvin's paintings prompt audiences to pause and wonder.
"Has this always been here?"
"Memories of Home" is a warm invitation to embark on a journey to explore the breathtaking and bustling scenes of Sarawak, seen through Marvin's eyes.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
"For someone who is hopelessly in awe of beauty and nature, it was torturing to be sitting in front of a computer looking at numbers and spreadsheets for hours," - Marvin Chew
In 2012, Marvin took a bold leap from a "personality mismatch" accounting career to become a full-time artist. After almost three decades in Singapore - a place where he deepened his roots and found a second home, Sarawak remains his heart's anchor. Though growing up in concrete jungles, rustic fishing villages that carry the scent of river mud with birdsong lingering in the air always evoke nostalgia in him. They are places seemingly untouched by time that hum the rhythm of simpler days.
In his first-ever solo exhibition in Kuching, Marvin captures diverse landscapes of Sarawak, ranging from restless city streets to the unhurried grace of kampung life. Radiating calm spaciousness, his paintings offer a moment to breathe for those who are caught in the relentless pace of urban life. Seizing often-overlooked, dreamlike moments, Marvin's paintings prompt audiences to pause and wonder.
"Has this always been here?"
"Memories of Home" is a warm invitation to embark on a journey to explore the breathtaking and bustling scenes of Sarawak, seen through Marvin's eyes.
THE ARTIST
Marvin Chew is a watercolour artist whose works captures the very essence of mundane urban scenes, the serenity of rural villages alongside picturesque greenery.
Notably a member of several art organisation in Singapore, Marvin has actively pursued painting professionally since 2012. Primarily using watercolour as his medium, Marvin works revolves around combining semi-realistic and impressionism whilst masterfully playing with light and shade. In his other works, Marvin also experiments with acrylic and oil, allowing room for creative exploration.
Throughout his artistic career, Marvin has held several solo exhibitions in Singapore and has taken part in numerous group exhibitions both regionally and internationally. Marvin's works have also been featured in notable publications like The Art of Watercolour and Paint Magazine by SAA. At present, several of his artworks are in the keeping of private collectors, corporations and governmental bodies around the world.
“At 50, I am grateful for the international recognition my art has received; yet it is in Sarawak that my artistic journey feels most complete. 'Memories of Home' is therefore my gift to the place closest to my heart”
