An acrylic on canvas piece titled 'Tik Tok Tik Tok 2am' by Tan, which part of his exhibition 'Blue Light, Sleep Deprived' in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Tan Kien Eng
Do you scroll through social media in bed and struggle to fall asleep?
Artist Tan Kien Eng's solo exhibition, Blue Light, Sleep Deprived, at Ken Gallery in Kuala Lumpur from July 27-31, is set to highlight the impact of excessive screen time on sleep deprivation.
The "blue light" in the exhibition's title refers to the screens of smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs that dominate our lives.
Described as "a social cause art collection", Tan's exhibition features 11 acrylic paintings, three ceramic sculptures and three installations of life-sized human-shaped pillows.
Each artwork invites visitors to reflect on the relentless cycle of screen time and its toll on our well-being.
"After long hours at work, I would unwind by scrolling through my phone or watching TV. One video turned into 10, and 10 minutes stretched into two hours. When I notice people looking tired and ask why, they often admit to binge-watching late into the night," says Tan, 61, a veteran of the advertising industry who returned to art after retiring from over 30 years in the media and marketing business.
Tan working on a piece for the 'Blue Light, Sleep Deprived' exhibition. He started work on this new series of paintings, ceramics and installations last November. Photo: Tan Kien Eng
In the Blue Light, Sleep Deprived exhibition, he revisits the mediums close to his heart, showcasing his versatile talent. A graduate of the Malaysian Institute of Art in 1986, Tan brings a handy artistic background to this thought-provoking show.
While gathering material for this exhibition, Tan uncovered that four out of five Malaysians suffer from sleep deprivation. This condition leads to increased mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, impaired judgment, cognitive decline, and memory loss.
Tan also discovered that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to degenerative diseases and trigger conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression, and immune disorders.
Blue Light, Sleep Deprived, by any stretch, wasn't going to be a cheery exhibition by a retired person.
A ceramic sculpture titled 'Letting Go' by Tan, capturing the nocturnal use of screen time with a ceramic figure laying on a pillow holding a mobile device. Photo: Tan Kien Eng
While shaping an art exhibition around such unsettling health issues might seem unappealing or commercially unviable, Tan sought to dig deeper. He aims for his art to confront these uncomfortable truths head-on, using them as a catalyst for reflection, conversation and change.
"I believe art should not be for art’s sake. Art should touch your heart, mind and soul, and more importantly, communicate what is important to humankind," says Tan, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.
The narrative of Blue Light, Sleep Deprived is firmly rooted in reality, avoiding abstract or obscure subtexts. It offers an unflinching look at the consequences of our digital age, making the message both accessible and compelling.
One of Tan's new paintings titled 'Insta Blues', which portrays a person dozing off whilst watching content from a mobile device. Photo: Tan Kien Eng
“I know this is a worthwhile project because when people ask me what I am up to, and I mention that I am working on an art collection about this issue, nine out of 10 people will admit that they are also guilty of staying up at later due to their devices, so this is something that affects many of us," says Tan.
This weekend’s exhibition will also feature a bed placed in the gallery, with a live sketching programme.
“I wanted to include other activities to engage the audience, so I felt that having (guest) artists sketch people in their sleeping position is relevant to the exhibition’s theme," says Tan.
Half of the proceeds from live sketches will go to the artist, with the other half donated to charity. Additionally, 80% of Tan's artwork sales will benefit non-profits like Hospis Malaysia, HumanKind, the Women’s Aid Organisation, and the Girl Guides Association Malaysia.
Blue Light, Sleep Deprived is showing at Halls 2 and 3 at Ken Gallery, Menara Ken TTDI, Kuala Lumpur from July 27-31. Open: 10am-5pm. Free admission.
