In Hong Kong, traditional artisans are passing on their skills to younger generations to preserve cultural heritage. Yuet Tung China Works, a century-old hand-painted porcelain ware shop, has a succession plan with the help of its 66-year-old owner Ruby Tso's daughter Martina, who handles social media and marketing efforts. Meanwhile, 83-year-old birdcage maker Chan Lok Choi, or Master Chan, is conducting workshops and taking on apprentices to preserve his craft. His students, including Elaine Wong and Chow Hau Chung, believe that handmade items carry unique messages and soul, which cannot be replicated by AI.
The JEMY 2025 Exhibition Zone in Malaysia will feature a diverse range of activities and performances, including sushi-making demonstrations by top local chefs, an omakase talk and presentation, and a sake workshop hosted by the Japan Embassy. The zone will also showcase traditional Japanese arts such as Kendo martial arts and Awa dance, as well as opera shows. Performances by Japanese artists like Manaka Inaba and Leon Niihama will be complemented by Malaysian acts including KLP48, Kyoto Protocol, and DJ Blink. Admission to the Exhibition Zone is free, while tickets for the Entertainment Zone range from RM25 to RM40, with registration required for entry.
Joris Hoefnagel's Intricate Insect Watercolors on Display
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The National Gallery of Art is hosting an exhibition titled "Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World" featuring works by Joris Hoefnagel, including his 270 biological watercolors from the late 1500s. The show includes detailed studies of insects such as the Southern Hawker Dragonfly with crystalline wings and a crocodile's scales, which were created for private circulation among friends and patrons rather than public display.
A giant Lego mural certified as Singapore's largest is currently on display at the National Museum of Singapore as part of the city-state's 60th birthday celebrations. The seven-metre wide and two-metre tall mural, titled "Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick," was unveiled yesterday and will be displayed until August 9. The Lego creation, assembled by Lego before being sent to the museum, features a large model of Singapore's historical landmarks and Lego versions of popular local dishes like chilli crab and nyonya kuih.
Luchita Hurtado's work was showcased at Park View Gallery, where founder Paul Soto mounted her second solo show. Her paintings were also featured in the Hammer Museum's "Made in L.A." in 2018 and later in Hans Ulrich Obrist's first international solo show at the Serpentine Galleries.
A mural project in Manjung, Malaysia, has transformed the town's landscape and sparked a passion for history and art among locals and visitors. The initiative, a collaboration between the Manjung Municipal Council and Vale, features vibrant murals created by local artists, including the Lakar Mekar group. One notable piece depicts a woman in traditional attire alongside an illustration of the Beruas tree, which is synonymous with the town's name. The murals tell stories of the Gangga Negara era, Perak motifs, and ancient Malay culture, serving as both aesthetic decorations and educational tools that connect visitors to their historical roots.
The Bon Odori festival in Penang, Malaysia has evolved from a small event for Japanese expatriates to a state-supported celebration that attracts visitors from other states and tourists alike. Organized by the Consulate-General of Japan, the Penang state government, Penang Global Tourism, and the Penang Japanese Association, the festival features traditional dances, taiko drum performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, and food stalls. This year's theme, "Akari Bon Odori" (festival of lights), aims to illuminate the night sky and promote community spirit. The event will be held on July 19 at Padang Kota Lama, with a fireworks display at the end of the evening.
The Doodler Magazine Fosters Creative Expression Everywhere
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The Doodler magazine, founded by Philip and Jeevessh, aims to create a community that values creativity in all forms. Their first issue, "Art is Life," celebrated the connection between art and identity, featuring interviews with Johnny Defeo and Naomi Yuki. The second issue, "You are an Artist," encourages readers to explore their artistic side, covering topics like modern art, culture, and mental health. Aditya, the magazine's editor, emphasizes the importance of thoughtful ideas and time management, balancing school and publishing responsibilities with a supportive team and family.
Aaron Johnson's Vibrant 'We All Shine On' Exhibition
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Aaron Johnson's exhibition "We All Shine On" at an undisclosed location, in collaboration with Almine Rech, features a psychedelic palette of contrasting shades that infuse each canvas with energy. The show, on view from September 15 to November 15, 2025, showcases ethereal shapes and glowing orbs of color, as Johnson describes the paint as having "embodied a force of nature".