Making Malaysia proud — 28-year-old Marcos Kueh, an international artist based in the Netherlands, has won the Grand Prix at the Unknown Asia 2023 art fair in Osaka. He also received recommendations from two judges during the award exhibition.
Here, he exhibited under the theme “Exotic Labour”, where he showcased his “Kenyalang Circus” artwork — one of his many notable works throughout his art journey. The artwork reflects his identity as a Sarawakian who is still searching for himself.
The artwork incorporates the elements of Sarawak as well as a touch of exoticism.
“I believe that trying to identify yourself is a practise. With art, you’re always confronted with questions about what it means to be human. Growing up, we were constantly taught about Malaysia as a whole, but not much was mentioned about Sarawak or written about what it’s like to be a Sarawakian.”
On September 21, Kueh was presented with the Young Designer award at the Dutch Design Awards (DDA). The award, presented along seven other categories, will be showcased at this year’s Dutch Design Week, which will take place from October 21 to 29 at the Dutch Design Foundation in the Netherlands.
The recognition came after being nominated for the award with his portfolio of artwork created over the years. Among his notable works are the “Kenyalang Circus”, “Monyet Merah”, and “Wayang Kulit”, which have impressed the event’s judges.
Kueh addressed post-colonialism in his description of the artwork. Using techniques from various Southeast Asian countries and combining them with a thorough knowledge of every machine he utilises, as well as his experience with all types of weaving looms, he designs and develops his own textiles.
Kueh is currently exhibiting his magnificent colours of the “Kenyalang Circus” artwork at the HAUS Kch in Pending for the Altered Natives art exhibition. The gallery will run till October 21 and features works by artists from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Those who want to be mesmerised by his work can visit the art community centre — HAUS Kch.
