Exploring Local Art 2.0 Miniatures Exhibition @ The Gardens Mall

Get ready to celebrate the diversity and shared experiences that make us uniquely Malaysian as The Gardens Mall presents the second edition of its Exploring Local Art miniatures exhibition this 28 August - 22 September 2024! I also had a fun experience create my own putu piring and onde-onde key charm at one of their workshops. 

Exploring Local Art 2.0 Miniatures Exhibition @ The Gardens Mall 

The exhibition’s featured artists have captured scenes of Malaysians’ daily lives in miniature models with the added nostalgia of a simpler time. Remember how the honk of the roti man would bring children running out of their houses with their weekly allowance in hand, ready to get a pack of their favourite snacks. Then there was always the neighbourhood cendol stall on a hot sunny day to cool you down. 

Returning miniature artists, Eric Siow of MiniARTure Concepts and PuiWan Lim of PicoWorm have captured scenes such as these in their new miniature art pieces along with the team of artists from MinNature Malaysia, who complete the artist lineup for this year’s art exhibition.

From left to right: Eric Siow of MiniARTure Concepts and Pui Wan Lim of PicoWorm

Eric Siow’s “Malay Kampung Kitchen” inspired by local cartoonist Lat (The Kampung Boy) sets the scene for a “Hidang Bertalam, Duduk Bersila” meal, a traditional way of gathering everyone in the family to dine together, especially during celebrations. Eric’s “Dim Sum” which was inspired by his favourite breakfast joint, is also on display for all to admire.

Take a look at PuiWan’s “Each Petal Counts” and read about how working at her sister’s Japanese restaurant got her wondering about the colourful floral garlands used by the local Indian community for prayers. “Yee Bee Sundry”, completed in 2021 was a commission project that was initiated by the sundry shop’s fourth-generation owner to preserve his family’s legacy and is a perfect example of how miniature models can capture memories.

The largest and most elaborate diorama in the exhibition is MinNature Malaysia’s “Celebrating Malaysia’s Multicultural Harmony: A Timeless Diorama”, measuring 11ft long. The piece is set against the backdrop of a lively town scene, with its three shophouses run by different families of different races. Capturing the dying traditional artform is “The Enduring Art of Rattan Craftsmanship” which celebrates the enduring spirit of the intricate craftsmanship of the rattan wares, standing strong against the encroaching tide of metal and plastic that define the modern era.

Miniature model exhibition details:

Dates: 28 August - 22 September 2024

Venue: South & North Palm, Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall

Receive a Gift When You Shop

To celebrate the local artists and the exhibition, the mall is giving out gifts when shoppers! Spend a minimum of RM400 for UOB cardmembers/ The Gardens Club members, or RM500 for other payment modes in a single receipt* at any of our specialty stores to redeem an exclusively designed tote bag and a miniature charm.  *Limited to 110 redemptions per day.

Hands-on Workshops

After viewing the miniature models, why not try making some miniatures of your own? Pre-register for complimentary workshops happening every weekend to make your own miniature key charm to take home. 

Time: 1pm - 2pm & 3pm - 4pm

Dates: 31 August, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 September

This workshop is recommended for children aged 10 years and above, with an accompanying adult. Registration starts 30 minutes before the workshops begin. Slots available per session are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Social Rewards Contest

As an added bonus, visitors can participate in The Gardens Mall’s Social Rewards photo contest running till the 22nd of September 2024. Spot the details and take photos of the miniatures on the mall’s checklist for a chance to win RM50 worth of gift vouchers. Follow The Gardens Mall on Instagram for more information and clues for the hunt!

Find out more about the Exploring Local Art 2.0 Miniatures Exhibition @ The Gardens Mall  contest and the exhibition The Gardens Mall Instagram