“Embarking on this journey to the Hoan Gallery was akin to stepping into a realm where colours, forms, and narratives intertwine to create a rich tapestry of visual experiences,” remarked Ms Yeeni Ayu Rosita binti Marjani, Lecturer of Creative Multimedia at SEGi College Sarawak, reflecting on the recent excursion that took place on the 20 February 2024.
A recent excursion to the esteemed Hoan Gallery has provided 17 students from the Diploma in Creative Multimedia programme at SEGi’s Faculty of Communication & Creative Design (SoCCD) with a profound immersion into the world of visual artistry. Led by Ms Yeeni, the visit was a pivotal moment for these budding artists as they delved into the depths of artistic expression and interpretation.
Founded by Kee Huang, the Hoan Gallery stands as a platform for local Sarawakian painters to showcase their meticulously crafted artworks. The gallery boasts a diverse collection, featuring pieces crafted using an array of mediums including oil, acrylic paint, watercolour, Chinese ink, and the traditional Batik technique, which has seen a revival in this contemporary setting. Beyond merely exhibiting art, the Hoan Gallery endeavours to honour the legacy of past masters while nurturing the talents of emerging artists.
“In the Hoan Gallery, students were encouraged to approach each artwork as a multifaceted narrative, ripe for deconstruction and reinterpretation,” elucidated Ms Yeeni. Drawing upon their knowledge of multimedia design principles, the students dissected paintings through various lenses, exploring the intersection of composition, colour theory, and narrative techniques with their own creative practice. This analytical process not only enhanced their visual literacy but also ignited innovative approaches to storytelling and multimedia design.
“The interdisciplinary nature of the excursion bridged the perceived gap between traditional painting and digital multimedia,” noted Ms Yeeni. By discerning parallels between these seemingly disparate disciplines, students gained a deeper appreciation for the fundamental principles of artistic expression. This fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms broadened their creative horizons, enriching their repertoire in multimedia design.
This immersive experience transcended the conventional boundaries of art education, fostering a transformative journey grounded in the principles of visual analysis. Through meticulous examination and analysis of artworks, students honed their analytical skills, deciphering visual languages to extract profound insights. Equipped with newfound perspectives and a heightened sense of creative inspiration, these students are poised to embark on their journey in creative multimedia with boundless curiosity and a profound appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.
