Art exhibition ‘Big Cities, Small Stories’ highlights everyday people on paper and canvas

Lee’s ‘Serenade of The Snack Stall’ was based on a a lady running her fried snack stall business in an old hut in Port Dickson. Her resolute dedication at the centre of the scene and the harmonious symphony of flavours, sounds and sights all wove together to create this enchanting experience of indulging in street snacks, which was very memorable to Lee

by HAZATUL SYIMA HARON

CAPTURING the essence of real people, real stories. That is the aim of an art exhibition — “Moments: Big Cities, Small Stories” — by a collective of five artists.

Currently on display at ZHAN Art | Space in Petaling Jaya, “Big Cities, Small Stories” is an extension exhibition of “Moments: Discover Wanderlust” which was first held in 2022 by founding members Brian Tai, Francis Lee and Lee Wee Xian. The current group exhibition welcomes two additional artists, Eve Yap and Shireen Lee.

Together, a total of 38 artworks are on display at this exhibition that celebrates the life and emotions of everyday people, intending to evoke empathy, introspection and contemplation among the viewers.

“The collective pushed themselves to capture beautiful moments on canvas. Each artist, through their unique style, hues and brushstrokes, painted a different array of emotions and narratives.

“We hope that the audience will cherish the small moments like we do.” said Francis Lee, one of the founding members of “Moments”.

The collective was inspired to make the next exhibition to be bigger and better after “Moments: Discover Wanderlust” proved to be a breakthrough and a success. Instead of repeating the travel experience as the main subject matter, the current exhibition aims to capture the essence of real people, real stories.

““Moments: Big Cities, Small Stories’’ can be experienced as a nostalgia exhibition with a modern touch. The artworks are warm-hearted as we are transported to small yet distinctively familiar moments, such as a street vendor making your daily coffee-to-go, or your favourite grandma gathering her family to prepare for a feast.

“Each work has a story to tell, and the artists tell them well.” said Desmond Tong, founder and curator of ZHAN Art | Space.

The artworks on display are for sale with prices ranging between RM2,800 and RM20,000. The exhibition is ongoing till Sept 24, 2023.