Description

Wei-Ling Gallery is pleased to present ‘The Gaze of Sleepwalkers’ that marks H.H. Lim’s highly anticipated second solo exhibition in Malaysia after a decade, following his debut exhibition, ‘The Beginning of Something’, featured at Wei-Ling Contemporary in 2014.

In this series of thirteen paintings and installation pieces, Lim draws a parallel between the human condition and the surrounding ecosystem. Wild animals, coexisting within their isolated habitats, appear as observers casting a contemplative gaze upon humanity’s current state of being. The narrative dissects the dichotomy between the observer and the observed, exposing our collective stance as involuntary ‘sleepwalking’ participants in a world rife with turmoil and unrest.

H.H. Lim describes this connection by stating, “One of the longest journeys of my life is the day-by-day and year-by-year journey between home and the studio. It’s a repetitive journey akin to a happy-go-lucky sleepwalker, walking on a razor’s edge. Incredibly, each path is never the same, both visually and emotionally, particularly in the nuances of the path entrusted solely to the senses, with the mind absent. What an emotional sensation to feel disoriented in my own world!”

Lim unveils a striking truth: despite technological advancements, humanity remains ensnared in primal instincts, chasing ephemeral desires of wealth and power. The symbolism embedded within the works subtly addresses socio-political themes, notably the pervasive influence of materialism and its impact on our ethical compass.

A recurring motif, a money sack, is a commentary on societal values. Its understated presence within the paintings hints at the inherent imbalance between opulence and necessity, prompting viewers to ponder the incessant demand for resources in a world increasingly divided by disparities.

H.H. Lim’s adept visual storytelling in ‘The Gaze of Sleepwalkers’ beckons the observer to explore a nuanced reflection of their existence. It encourages a stimulating reexamination of behaviour, akin to waking from a dream, regarding shared responsibility in shaping a more conscientious and equitable world.

Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery
Date: 27 January – 30 March 2024.
Time: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Exhibition is open by appointment only. For appointments and further assistance, please contact +60322601106 or e-mail siewboon@weiling-gallery.com