Inspirasi Media Online

Born and raised amidst the jetties of Georgetown, Ono Kang’s upbringing was deeply intertwined with the maritime traditions of his family, who were prominent junk ship sailors and traders in the charcoal industry.

Despite harbouring dreams of inheriting his grandfather’s junk ship and sailing the region’s waters, fate had other plans for him. Ono’s undiagnosed dyslexia prompted him to leave school early, igniting a lifelong quest for exploration in search of a language to replace written words that failed to host his narrative.

An avid collector from a young age, Ono Kang amassed a diverse array of artifacts from Georgetown, ranging from furniture and household items to industrial machinery. These collected treasures became the raw materials for his artistic expression, as he meticulously crafted sculptures and installations that served as a visual diary of his memories and experiences.

Under the auspices of Lumina, an art residency program facilitated by ArtisFair since 2023, Ono, a self-taught artist, worked closely with Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran to transform his raw artistic expression into a more refined vision aimed at unravelling the story of his past. The exhibition showcases 16 piece of his installations, each rich in meaning and symbolism, inviting viewers to delve into Ono’s personal tribute to his home, family, heritage and four decades of his life.

Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran said at the opening,

“At Lumina, our aim is to provide a sanctuary where artists of all backgrounds and stages of their career find solace and support to nurture their artistic vision without any judgements. Together, we foster an environment where every artist can thrive, innovate and inspire.”

Stay tuned to ArtisFair’s Instagram for updates on curated programs accompanying the exhibition. Additionally, the public is invited to join Ono Kang and a group of sound artists on April 26th at 6 p.m. for an interactive music performance inspired by the installations.

Lumina, ArtisFair
Lumina, spearheaded by the esteemed fashion creator Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran, is an art residency program under ArtisFair. It provides a nurturing environment, mentorship, and guidance for emerging artists of all ages to enrich their portfolios and foster valuable connections within the industry. With the primary goal of enhancing the global visibility of local artists, Lumina offers a multifaceted approach to cultivating a more vibrant and interconnected art scene in Malaysia. Through exhibitions, educational programs, art residencies, and comprehensive services for artists and cultural institutions, Lumina aims to contribute to the enrichment of the cultural landscape.

IG: ArtisFair/KL (@artisfair_kl)