Un/Hidden Identities: Painting Lives
From the 5th to the 19th of August, G13 Gallery proudly presents Sack Tin Lim’s “Un/Hidden Identities: Painting Lives”, the fruits of which arose from a seven-month study when the artist immersed himself in the Malaysian transgender community, a personally rewarding experience that led to the creation of this poignant collection of oil paintings.
Malaysia is fresh off the controversial suspension of the 2023 Good Vibes Music Festival after singer Matty Healy of the British band ‘The 1975’ made inflammatory statements about the Malaysian government over its morality laws regarding the LGBTQ+ community. In its wake comes perhaps the most influential art exhibition of the season for the local transgender community. Fortunately, the lens is correctly pointed this time at the affected community instead of the messenger.
Rather than make the story all about himself for personal publicity like the musician, artist Sack Tin Lim takes the more mature route by focusing on the lives of the subjects. He shines a positive light while finding ample traces of beauty and hope everywhere he peers within the marginalized community, in this case an urban transgender shelter where he embedded himself not only to adopt the most intimate approach by painting his subjects live but also to experience first hand the conditions, aspirations and feelings he sought to express with accuracy and dignity.
"Artemis" 122x92cm Oil on Canvas
The paintings pulsate with an intensity and seriousness rarely expressed in contemporary painting. They are inherently raw and emotional, a fitting approach to the subject material. There’s nothing ambivalent nor illusive about this show. The works are direct and often gut-wrenching in their exposed honesty. Indeed, the underlying conversations between the live subjects and the artist seem to erupt through the paint.
Oft-bridled pride is unleashed in several of the works, including the bejeweled Kitty in an elegant dress, Princess Angel preparing her makeup for the day, or the Queen of Citrine Blaze proudly wearing her crown and winning sash. Similarly overt are Linda Lam and her special flowing dress or May May confidently decked in drag. Lest we forget, the anxiety and despair of the outsider life is not overlooked, in fact it’s plainly evident in the melancholic reflections taking place in pieces like Romaan, Romeo Bike, and Bunga Berduri. Overall, Sack’s approach and curation are balanced and believable.
Bunga Berduri 122x91cm Oil on Canvas
In Un/Hidden Identities, the artist grants respect and voices to those who might benefit most from a more tolerant celebration of diversity, thus allowing them to speak their truth through his profoundly astute aesthetics. Granted, he is also fortunate to be aided by a community who readily embraced him, a sanctuary that is populated by subjects who simply and steadfastly refuse to cower to life. Instead they remain true to themselves and make of life what they are able. Many of us could benefit by absorbing some of their persistence and self-pride.
Sack Tin Lim's solo exhibition is must-see viewing for both visual art collectors and the compassionate, socially conscious among us. It can be viewed at G13 until the 19th of August. For more information, please contact the gallery directly.
All Artworks © Sack Tin Lim, Images: Courtesy of G13 Gallery