Malaysian architectural designer Pamela Tan talks about her inspiring, challenging, and comforting installations and their contribution to public spaces
As an artist and architectural designer, I’ve come to understand that public art is not merely decorative; it is profoundly transformative for both spaces and individuals. Each installation I create or participate in offers a unique lens through which to view our daily environments, turning them into canvases that inspire, challenge, and comfort.
Consider “Sunnyside Up” at MRT Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur—a vibrant intervention in a bustling transit hub. Here, I chose yellow, a color that evokes happiness and energy, to transform an underused staircase into a sunlit pathway. This installation was designed to disrupt the mundane commute by injecting a moment of unexpected joy and beauty, encouraging a connection with the space that goes beyond mere functionality.
Read more: Unveiling creativity: Pamela Tan's award-winning fusion of art, architecture and design
"Sunnyside Up" greets commuters at the MRT Pasar Seni station in Kuala Lumpur
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In the serene setting of Thomson Hospital, my piece “Lend Me Your Wings I Pray” explores the healing power of art. Drawing on the symbolic tranquility of butterflies, this installation shifts in color and form depending on the viewer’s perspective. It’s a gentle reminder of hope and renewal, vital in a place where such sentiments are much needed.
“Tatu” offers a deeper communal experience, drawing on the rich cultural diversity of Malaysia. This installation serves as a reflective sanctuary where visitors are immersed in a room of light and shadow derived from Malaysia’s diverse cultural motifs. Here, art acts as a dialogue among diverse voices, inviting each visitor to see their reflection within a broader narrative.
