As businesses find ways to evolve and innovate in a sea of continual progression, the synergy between two typically diverse fields when done properly, can be a wonderful experience.
The new Moving Art Gallery launched by property developer Masteron Group at their Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, plans to feature a series of installations encompassing mosaic sculptures which will be showcased at various spaces inside and out of the walls of the hotel.
This year-long effort is a collaboration with L2 Gallery, as the Masteron Group had specially curated sculptures depicting the culture and heritage of the Malaysian Chinese diaspora, with undertones of resilience and hope.
The first installation revealed in mid- February of this year is the Return of the Mythical Red Auroch. The spectacular life-sized red mosaic ox is currently displayed at the entrance of the hotel to usher in the Year of the Formidable Ox.
“It’s looking upwards as I wanted to depict its fighting spirit. I hope he can fight off the Year of the Rat!” said Alice Chang, artist and owner of L2 gallery who spent six weeks working on the colossal piece.
“We chose the red ox to be our first installation because it symbolises our bullishness and resilience to rid what had been a horrible Year of the Rat. This also reflects Masteron as a property developer,” says Choy Yuin Yi, Masteron Group’s director of hospitality.
“Although we are a new entrant to the hospitality industry in Malaysia, we are bullish, constantly adapting and coming up with innovative ideas to differentiate ourselves from our competition, in order to rise above the challenges of Covid-19,” she adds.
Considering the Moving Art Gallery’s launch during the start of the second Movement Control Order, both the collaborators say that the response has been fairly impressive, with many wanting to capture photos of the ox and post it on their social media.
“We had expected the footfall to be lower than normal, but it has garnered a lot of interest thus far that we even had to put a fence around it so that visitors won’t be tempted to climb on it for photos!” says Yuin Yi with a laugh.
“With Masteron’s DNA in property development, we are constantly thinking of firstly, enhancing the utility of our spaces and secondly, enhancing the value of our real estate. Coupled by the fact that in this day and age of social media, to stay relevant and engaging, we have to constantly keep things fresh. The moving art gallery allows us to break the mould of traditional hotels – rather than providing a wall to hang a painting or a space for a static sculpture, we are providing our guests with an immersive experience that is dynamic and ever-changing,” says Yuin Yi.
As the Return of the Mythical Red Auroch sculpture is expected to stick around till the end of April, the next big sculpture to arrive at Four Points is already underway and can be anticipated this May.
Another upcoming installation in May is called the Legacy series. The idea for this features a collection of dainty gift boxes made up of mosaics of Chinese porcelain.
Visitors can also look forward to upcoming workshops hosted by Four Points Chinatown while there will also be a number of art exhibitions done especially by autistic children for Autism Awareness Week.
(All images: Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown)
This story was first published Prestige Malaysia’s April 2021 issue. To read the latest issue, pick up a copy from the nearest newsstand or subscribe on Magzter.
Naseem Randhawa
A Communications & Media Management graduate from the University of South Australia, Naseem has spent more than 15 years as an all-rounder in the media industry. From writer to radio host, she finally found her calling as an editor who spent the larger part of her career in the entertainment and arts industry. Overseeing both print and digital editions of Prestige, her current interests include discovering new craftmanship styles in jewellery and watches, and writing about how luxury brands have vastly evolved into the arena of new luxury. In her spare time, Naseem enjoys drinking good wine, watching crime documentaries, and spending quality time with her overly spoiled puppy.