Malls pounce on the opportunity to showcase cultural art
TO herald the Year of the Tiger, Pavilion REIT Malls is presenting bold, vibrant and festive art installations across its shopping destinations to embody the bravery, power and determination of the Tiger.
As one of the most revered of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, the Tiger signifies strength, fortune and confidence.
According to Chinese culture, the big cat is powerful and those born under this sign are said to possess confidence, ambition and courage.
In harmony with the elements
Surrounding the Pavilion Paper Art Garden and flanking the Spanish Steps are auspicious Chinese lanterns and lush blooming flowers and trees for photo opportunities of the festive ambience.
In collaboration with international award-winning modern origami artist Master Chen Xiao, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur brings out the beauty of traditional Chinese paper art with its 10m Pavilion Paper Art Garden.
This installation depicts harmony amongst the five elemental tigers (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) in a spring, summer, autumn and winter setting.
Located at the Centre Court, the Paper Art Garden features elements of the four seasons including blooming daffodils in spring with the blue tiger, peonies in summer with the red tiger, golden-leaf maple trees in autumn with the silver tiger, and peach blossom trees for winter with the black tiger.
The centrepiece is a large gold mountain for the mighty yellow tiger.
Here as well are various pop-up stalls that offer new year goodies from now until Feb 15, and all are invited to also make a wish at Maybank’s wishing well.
The main entrance of Pavilion KL features Tiger Beer’s Roar Together art installation by three prominent artists: embroidery artist Sheena Liam, installation artist Pamela Tan, and mural artist Thomas Powell.
The iconic Pavilion Crystal Fountain has been transformed into a modern digital lantern display featuring captivating lights and augmented reality named “Roaring Greetings” for visitors to interact virtually with a tiger, and craft Chinese New Year greetings to be shared with family and friends.
Shoppers are encouraged to unleash their inner tiger by participating in Tiger Beer’s two games at Connection to win exclusive merchandise.
Celebrating the arts
Da Men USJ's Blossoming Harmony exhibit features a lush flower garden of wisterias and red lanterns that signify vitality and good fortune for the year ahead.
If you find yourself in Subang Jaya, you can visit Da Men USJ’s Roaring Bazaar on the lower ground and ground floors to be spoiled with generous offerings from local entrepreneurs selling decorations, handicrafts, and delicious snacks for Chinese New Year before Jan 30.
You will be able to catch traditional acrobatic lion dance performances every weekend of January, and on Feb 6 and 15 at 3pm.
Visitors can also enjoy Chinese orchestra performances by SEGi College, street dancing performances by INTI, musical performances by a differently-abled duo and acapella performances by Taylor’s University on selected weekends.
Da Men USJ will also host a mini concert showcasing talented solo artistes, such as Nick Kung and Ash Lu on Jan 22 at 4.30pm.
There is the Zodiac Fortune Scan and Redeem interactive game too, where shoppers can try their luck at hunting for the 12 animal zodiacs hidden around the mall.
Those who find all 12 zodiacs will get their 2022 fortune read and be in the running to redeem gifts and vouchers from participating stores.
Of operatic heritage
Visitors can take a chance to win exclusive gifts when they spin the ‘Wheel of Prosperity’ after studying the curated exhibits at Opera Opulence.
Meanwhile, Intermark Mall invites shoppers to experience the grandeur and heritage of Chinese opera with Opera Opulence from now until Feb 16.
This installation features festive oriental decorations with cut-outs of opera artists that are perfect for shutterbugs looking for the perfect CNY backdrop.
In collaboration with internationally renowned fashion designer Carven Ong, Intermark Mall also presents an exclusively designed Opera Meets Fashion collection inspired by the archetype of Chinese opera, displayed in the Ground Atrium.
Also on exhibition is the Opera Opulence Gallery which showcases a private collection of Chinese opera costumes.
The exhibition highlights the rich heritage of Chinese opera and offers visitors the rare opportunity to study the intricate designs, symbols, and colours that portray the stage characters’ personalities and social identities.
When you’re done, you can browse Carven Ong Couture’s Oriental Fashion Pop-Up on the ground floor, showcasing the designer’s latest ready-to-wear festive collection from now till Jan 28.
Or spruce up your home with decorative and essential homeware items at Living Circles Concept’s Artisan Pop-up from now till Feb 16.
No Chinese New Year is complete without majestic lion dance performances and special appearances from the God of Prosperity. So come bask in the festive atmosphere and enjoy performances every Wednesday at 1.30pm until Jan 26.
Shoppers can also catch the cultural drum and dance performance by Taylor’s International School Kuala Lumpur on Jan 20, 25 and 27 at 1pm.
