Gan Sze Hooi (Malaysia)

As a visual artist, GAN SZE HOOI graduated with a diploma in oil painting from the Central Academy of Art in Kuala Lumpur in 2000. Currently, he lives and works in Kuala Lumpur. His expertise are oil painting, charcoal drawing, and mixed media. From a young age, he has enjoyed wandering around and exploring new environments, documenting his journeys through painting. Over time, this practice has led him to develop a personal map. His artistic inspiration comes from observing community architecture in daily life, extending into imaginative connections through encounters with people. By using an aerial view painting technique, He reshapes the community landscape, fostering a resonance and connection between people and their surroundings.

Exclusive interview during artist's residency

Maze of Underlying Temples
A presentation by Gan, Sze-Hooi

“Maze of Underlying Temples” also serves as the title of the exhibition. The description “underlying” points to my underlying effort not only in painting, but also my cycling trips from temple to temple. In the process, I felt the hidden divinity, which wasn’t meant to be found. The map is presented in a bird’s eye view with a large-scale geometric city scenery. The complex maze stands out naturally. Every street is interconnected with some other streets. There is neither a center, nor an edge. You can even say that there’s no exit. Instead of unity, it delivers a sense of diversity. Now is an era in which you can reflect the status quo. This is an era full of excitement. It is a maze of architecture, but also of psychology with a shattered underlying nature. The concept of “maze” corresponds to the characteristics of the present era, which is diverse and full of possibilities. At the same time, it is also filled with skepticism and despair under all the excitement. With contemporary art as the medium, I aim to communicate my current thoughts. Simultaneously, there seems to be a link that connects all the temples. The interwoven connection points to a neglected metaphysical spiritual world and a deeper implication that hides in the era with blooming social media and virtual industry.

“Maze of Underlying Temples” is a miniature of Tainan city. The map mainly focuses on the West Central District and Anping District. As a maze that connects various temples, its complexity and liveliness conjoins the past and the future. Through exploring the unseen maze structured through the language of art, I aim to probe into people’s hope to be safe and sound as they sail through life, wishing for favorable weather in an ever changing environment.