The Inspiration
The founder of Wei-Ling Contemporary, and the newly reopened Wei-Ling Gallery, paints a picture of a life well grounded and culturally inspired, as curated by her artfully travelled eye.
... EXPERIENCE THE WORLD THROUGH ART? From Dubai to New York, I’ve been inspired to look at the world differently through the eyes of artists. One of the most well curated and thought-provoking biennales I have visited in recent times was the 2018 Kochi Biennale in India. The Venice Biennale is also an important platform for art, and is a must-visit for me.
... ESCAPE FROM THE CITY AND SWITCH OFF? As soon as I leave Kuala Lumpur, I start to unwind. We escape to Penang on the weekends to relax. I let my hair down and go out dancing after a heavy day at work, while burning up that extra energy! Facials and deep tissue massages are essential too. More than anything else, I am forced to switch off my phone during the session, so that gives me time to rest.
... UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGES? Malaysian artists approach art from a personal point of view with a socio-political nature. I am compelled to provide them a platform on which they could be heard. With the newly reopened Wei-Ling Gallery on Jalan Scott, three separate exhibitions are able to be held concurrently, which allows for a wider conversation. Today, we are working with artists who are affecting social change through projects. This ability to create awareness and start dialogues through art is powerful. Art is visual and the repercussions and reverberations of the messages it can convey are far-reaching.
... IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A GOOD BOOK? Life stories inspire me. Most recently, I was inspired by Robert Kuok: A Memoir as it traces the life journey of the prolific Malaysian who originated from such humble beginnings and continued to achieve such greatness. His perseverance and attitude towards life, coupled with his discipline and ability to turn each adversity into an opportunity, are truly inspirational. It proves how anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
... BE CONFIDENT OF YOUR STYLE? I wouldn’t leave the house without sunscreen, my earrings, and a broad-brimmed sun hat! I have been religious about this, to the chagrin of my patient husband, who many a time has to carry my hat when I am not using it indoors.
... LISTEN TO MOTHER? I have been a pescatarian long before the term became sexy. A few years ago my mum gave me the best advice, telling me to look after my gut health in order to boost my immunity. I have been consuming probiotics ever since and haven’t looked back! We also never leave home without having a bitter gourd, wheatgrass, and turmeric juice for breakfast—nothing quite picks you up! Wei-Ling Gallery, 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2260 1106. www.weiling-gallery.com