Tong provides insights into her creative process and explores different mediums and techniques 

by AKMAR ANNUAR 

ONE day while scrolling through my WhatsApp messages, I came across a notification from Zhan Art Space, announcing the opening of an art exhibition by Tong Xin Lim. 

As I viewed a photo of the artist alongside her painting, it transported me back to my time spent admiring surrealist artwork at London’s art gallery, Tate Modern. 

The opening of the exhibition, titled “Tong in the House”, was scheduled on Saturday, March 9, from 2pm to 5pm at Zhan Art | Space in Petaling Jaya (PJ). 

The event drew an intimate crowd, and it was inaugurated by Juhari Said, renowned for his printmaking artwork and serving as Tong’s mentor. 

As of today, Juhari stands as one of Malaysia’s foremost printmakers, celebrated for his mastery of printmaking techniques. 

In an exclusive interview with The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), Tong, a Fine Art Diploma graduate discussed her creative process, inspirations, and the challenges of entering the industry spotlight as a young artist. 

The exhibition showcases a stunning collection of 26 artworks that seamlessly blend elements of surrealism and semi-abstraction. 

The central theme of the exhibition revolved around the concept of “change”, a topic that Tong approached with a sense of artistic liberation and boundless imagination. 

The title of the exhibition, “Tong in the House” was not merely a catchy phrase but held deep personal significance for the artist. 

“The title of the exhibition was inspired by my name first and foremost, and ‘in the house’ refers to my beliefs and things I’ve encountered in life. In that sense, I’m showcasing a collection that is personal to me, bringing the audience with me, into the house,” she explained. 

Throughout the interview, Tong provided insights into her creative process, emphasising her inclination towards experimentation and exploration of different mediums and techniques. 

“A lot of experimentation is the way to go,” she added. 

“Understanding the differences in materials, particularly with the texture and drying times, allows me to interact with them, producing works accordingly and achieving different textural effects.” 

When discussing the thematic underpinning of her artworks, Tong’s passion for storytelling through visuals became evident. 

With these concepts, she explained, she is not constrained or limited to a particular box.

“I am able to exaggerate the presentation of my works to the limits, allowing me to interpret change beyond my wildest imagination. My works also express my subconscious, offering the audience a glimpse into the artist’s mind, providing another perspective of the world.”

Surrealism and abstraction play integral roles in Tong’s artistic expression, enabling her to convey her creativity in ways that transcend conventional boundaries. “Surrealism is a concept with unexpected, unconventional, strange, and weird representation on canvas,” she elucidated. 

“It allows me unlimited ideas to express one matter, unlike impressionism, which attempts to accurately record visuals. As I merge my work with abstraction, spontaneous application allows for non-precise rationality, inviting the audience to draw their own conclusions and engage their imaginations.” 

The writer, an admirer of surrealism, found a deep connection with a specific artwork by the young artist titled “Boundless”, evoking a myriad of emotions and memories upon observation. 

Surrealism, an early 20th-century European artistic movement, arose post-World War I, rebelling against rationality. It delved into dreams and the subconscious, challenging reality with bizarre, thought-provoking works. 

Influenced by visionary artists like Keith Haring and Dawal, Tong has adopted a similarly unbounded approach to her art. 

“These artists tend to express their art without limits,” she remarked. 

“Their works are a combination of colours and lines, allowing ideas to be integrated into the work, challenging perspectives and angles. I’ve adopted a similar style for my own works, as seen in pieces like ‘Boundless’, where continuous lines and vibrant colours create an endless and continuous design.” 

Despite her growing success, Tong recognised the hurdles she encountered as a young artist entering the industry. 

“One of the biggest challenges is opportunity,” she revealed. 

“While the industry supports the arts, young artists often lack opportunities to exhibit, limiting their exposure and experience.” 

Undeterred by these obstacles, the brave aspiring artist remains steadfast in her pursuit of artistic excellence, leveraging online platforms to showcase her works and establish her presence in the art world. 

On the subject of pricing her artworks, Tong emphasised the factors that determine their value. 

With most young artists the prices of the work are determined by several factors, including time spent, materials used, and canvas size, she said. 

Looking ahead, Tong expressed her desire for the exhibition to spark dialogue and take viewers on a creative journey. 

She reiterated that her deeply personal works, inspired by her life events and memories, aim to resonate with viewers, forging connections to their own experiences. 

As the exhibition is still ongoing, Tong reflected on her next steps. 

“This exhibition is just the beginning,” she declared. 

“I have multiple exhibitions planned across several galleries this year. My goal is to master my technique, refine my visual design, and create more works that resonate with audiences.” 

In essence, Tong’s journey as a young artist is one of relentless passion, unwavering determination, and boundless creativity.

Through her art, she invites audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and imagination-a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it. 

Since then, Tong’s work and style have been deeply influenced by her subconscious and emotions, leading her to experiment with non-conventional materials, as she believes that there is art in every object. 

Amid her busy schedule, Tong actively engages with the art community, frequently participating in group exhibitions. 

Her talent has been recognised on numerous occasions, notably being shortlisted for the prestigious Bakat Mudah Sezaman in 2021 and 2023, organised by Balai Seni Negara. 

In 2022, she was selected as a finalist in the Malaysian Emerging Artist Award organised by HOM Art Trans. 

Her achievements continued to soar when she clinched the Creative Artist Award in the 2023 art competition hosted by Mr DIY. 

As “Tong in the House” continues to captivate audiences, Tong remains focused on her artistic evolution. 

At the exhibition, the artworks will be priced between RM500 and RM8,500. 

---

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition