Moments of Stillness explores an intersection of nature and wellbeing through the paintings of Xuan Hew. Coming from Malaysia, the artist longs for a connection with a climate different from what she’s used to. By collecting landscapes through lived and imagined experiences, Xuan Hew’s paintings of mountain peaks and other natural forms propose a moment of break from the rush of everyday life. Just as nature, that grows from inside of Earth to outside, the works bring consciousness to the many layers that we, as humans, are made of.
Moments of Stillness then becomes a space to inspire the act of pause and observation, to be able to feel the presence beyond the surface and feel connected to the places that we inhabit. Curated and written by Júlia Mazzoni.
About – Artist
Xuan Hew (1998), a Malaysian artist, draws inspiration from cherished childhood memories and a profound connection to nature, shaping her creative journey. Specializing in landscape painting, she endeavors to foster a reverence for nature and sustainability. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Fine Art – Painting at the University of Arts London (UAL), Camberwell College of Art. Xuan Hew recently had her solo exhibition “Moments of Stillness” at Peckham Levels, proposing a moment of break from the rush of everyday life through her mountain peaks painting.
She as well curated her duo exhibition “When Urban Meets Nature” at GMBB in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This immersive exhibition aims to evoke love for nature and brings out meditative quality of her paintings.
Furthermore, Xuan Hew recently completed a residency with the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Her works have gained recognition locally, with select pieces auctioned at Epsom Ball’s Auction in St. Regis Hotel, including one acquired by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Photographs by Dennis Ngan, MA Fine Art Photography at UAL, Camberwell college of art (@dennisngan)