Malaysian artist Red Hong Yi brings ‘eggshell’ artwork to Eslite KL’s Taiwan-themed pop-up

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — If you are a fan of contemporary art and lifestyle products, Eslite Spectrum Starhill Kuala Lumpur has something exciting for you.

The Taiwanese bookstore and lifestyle outlet is hosting a two-week pop-up store as part of its Taiwan Excellence LiveXperience trade show until June 30.

One of the highlights includes an art showcase by Malaysian artist Red Hong Yi, who goes by her moniker Red.

The 37-year-old Sabahan artist and architectural designer is known for her innovative way of creating artworks using everyday objects and materials for her paintings and art installations. The exhibition at Eslite Spectrum showcases Red’s Future Relics — a series of eggshell art pieces featuring traditional Chinese vases, each portraying qualities of femininity through a 21st-century Asian lens.

There is also the Little Red, a 2022 sculpture made from papier mache and acrylic paint.

The sculpture is a character that was created by Red during her university days and serves as a reminder to embrace the inner child in her at all times.

Despite pursuing architectural design for her tertiary education, Red said a personal project led her to do a series of Asian personalities’ portraits in 2012 and this changed her career.

“I then thought why not use objects to make art instead of paintings.”

The idea turned into a portrait of Taiwanese singer Jay Chou using liquid coffee stamped with the bottom of a coffee cup.

“After that, Jackie Chan contacted me and asked me to make a portrait of him for his 60th birthday.”

Red made a portrait of Chan using 6,000 chopsticks.

“I wanted to have Asian elements and material for the portrait, hence, I went to bamboo villages to source lots of chopsticks.

“I had to work with several women villagers for the portrait that took about two months to complete.”

Red Hong Yi (in red) explains her artwork during the launch of Taiwan Excellence LiveXperience Pop-up 2023. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Red then went on to work on several projects before realising the need to have a team in order for her to grow her career.

According to her, the myth of being a solo artist is romantic but at the same time, artists need a team to grow.

She now has a small team comprising local artists based in KL who help her to grow through more collaborations and exhibitions.

“Much of my work is very laborious and takes a lot of time to make, so if it’s only me working, I’ll only be able to have three art pieces a year.

“But with a team, I can have more art pieces and participate in more exhibitions.”

Red also recently released a book titled How to Paint Without a Brush that’s available at Eslite Spectrum Starhill KL.

She said it took her three years to put together a compilation of her 10-year career involving 10 different materials.

“It documents my development from the early days until where I am today.”

‘Future Relics’ is a series of eggshell art pieces featuring traditional Chinese vases. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Fans of lifestyle and consumer tech products from Taiwan can expect to be spoilt for choice at the pop-up roadshow.

The pop-up, organised by the Taiwan Trade Development Council (Taitra) and Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade (Boft), brings together award-winning lifestyle and consumer tech brands from Taiwan.

It features 25 product types encompassing electrical and electronic appliances, home and living as well as beauty and personal care products by 14 Taiwan Excellence award-winning brands.

Taiwan Trade Development Council executive director Brian Lee (centre) tours the Taiwan Excellence LiveXperience pop-up. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Taitra executive director Brian Lee launched the pop-up store and expressed his excitement to introduce Malaysians to Taiwan’s creative and innovative products.

“This event embodies our vision of fostering cultural exchange and highlighting Taiwan’s exceptional talent and craftsmanship.

“We believe that the harmonious blend of creativity and technology has the power to transcend boundaries and enhance the quality lifestyle among people.”