Juniper
Left to right:
1. Mr Roberto Guerra, CEO Asia Pacific of IM Group
2. Ms Yamada Momo, Second Secretary of Japan Embassy
3. Mr Kitaoka Tatsuya, Director, Japan Information Service Counsellor of The Japan Embassy
4. Mr Lim Chee Wai, PPB Properties Investment General Manager
5. Mr Calvin Chua Cheng Koon, Chairman of the Malaysia Watercolor Society & Curator
6. Alice Chang Oi Lai, Founder of Lai Lai Art Gallery & Studio
7. Ambassador Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency, Radamés Jesús Gómez Azuaje
8. Abu Zaki Hadri, President of Angkatan Pelukis Semalaysia
9. Dato’ Latt Shariman bin Abdullah, JP, Honorary Trade Advisor, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government
In anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Lai Lai Art Gallery proudly presents the Kita Orang Art Exhibition 2025, themed Blue & White 400. This landmark exhibition unites more than 400 artists from over 20 countries, each presenting works inspired by the 400th anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck—a Portuguese vessel lost off the coast of Terengganu carrying thousands of blue-and-white porcelain wares from Jingdezhen, China.
“As an artist, I was moved by the story of the Wanli Shipwreck and what it represents about Malaysia’s place in global history,” said Alice Chang, founder of Lai Lai Art Gallery. “Involving 400 artists symbolises this 400-year legacy. The blue and white theme honours the porcelain of that era and the ocean that connects us all. Through this, we hope to celebrate unity, resilience, and shared cultural memory.”
The Kita Orang platform, introduced in 2023, is rooted in inclusivity and accessibility. Meaning “We, the People,” Kita Orang is not limited by membership or borders—anyone can participate. It provides an open stage where both emerging talents and established artists from around the world are able to share their voices. The inaugural 2023 edition drew acclaim for championing sustainability and affordability, ensuring art was accessible to all walks of life.
This year, Kita Orang Art Exhibition 2025: Blue & White 400 presents 400 unique works—all created in shades of blue and white, with each artist interpreting the theme in their own way. Contributors hail from Malaysia, China, Japan, Italy, Spain, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal. Thailand and more.
Visitors can expect not only the artworks, but also guided tours, storytelling sessions, artist-led workshops, interactive activities, and demonstrations of the creative process. Recognised under the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme, the Wanli Shipwreck and its legacy of maritime trade and navigation will also be highlighted—shedding light on the routes that connected Malaysia to the wider world 400 years ago and deepening the cultural experience.
The exhibition is curated by Calvin Chua, a veteran Malaysian artist in the Southeast Asian art scene; Zaki Hadri, President of Angkatan Pelukis Se-Malaysia (APS); and Alice Chang, internationally renowned artist and founder of Lai Lai Art Gallery.
The month-long exhibition opened on 19 September 2025 at The Linc, Kuala Lumpur, before touring to The Whiteaways Arcade, Penang in November 2025 and Kuching’s Artavern Art Space, Sarawak in early 2026. These locations were selected to honour their rich histories as thriving port cities, extending the spirit of Kita Orang across Malaysia’s diverse communities.
From now until 20 October, visitors can enjoy a vibrant line-up of workshops and demonstrations, ranging from mosaic and Chinese ink art to acrylic painting, watercolour florals, and block printing. Running alongside is the Kita Orang Creative Marketplace, featuring handmade crafts, wearable art, artisanal candles, art supplies, and unique creations from a diverse community of artists and vendors.
“Art is a language without borders,” Alice added. “Through Kita Orang Art Exhibition 2025: Blue & White 400, we want to build bridges across cultures and inspire more people to see the value of art—not just as creative expression, but as a way to remember our shared past and imagine a connected future. By involving artists from around the world, we also create curiosity about Malaysia itself. I hope their families and friends will be inspired to visit Malaysia next year and experience the beauty of our country during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
For more information, visit: http://www.lailaiart.com
https://www.instagram.com/kitaorangbluewhite400/
https://www.instagram.com/lailaiart.chang/
