A Sun Amongst the Stars: A Conversation with Artist Karwai Chan

A cosmic force that shines so bright throughout the galaxy, self-taught artist Karwai Chan reflects on her colourful journey in the art world which began as a means of salvation and inadvertently turned into a gateway to joy-filled purpose. 

While seeking respite from a plaguing depression at the Saint-Paul asylum in southern France, Vincent van Gogh picked up his trusty paintbrush and brought The Starry Night to life, a dreamy reflection not just of his direct countryside observations but also his desperate desire to escape into the heavenly skies above. It’s an emotionally evocative work of art, that’s for sure — one that captured the eyes, heart and soul of a young Ipoh teen named Karwai Chan, sparking a life-changing journey in self-discovery, self-expression and self-love that ultimately transformed the small town girl into a worldwide star. 

Born in Hong Kong but relocated to Malaysia at the tender age of 14, the significantly youngest, mixed cultured child grew up in a family who were all busy juggling their own individual plates, leading to a pretty big gap in communication … and many, many days filled with solitude. Swelling with inspiration after stumbling upon the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter’s most famous piece which spoke to her on a profound level, Karwai decided to trade in blank stares at empty walls with her own paintbrush to continue the private conversation, capturing the essence of life’s most pivotal moments and the intense emotions linked with them. With each stroke on the canvas, the burgeoning artist learned to communicate herself better, and in turn, formed a closer relationship with her family. 

Somewhere in the middle of falling head over heels with the artform, one decision was made clear: Karwai was going to be a professional artist. And boy, oh boy, did she succeed. Her unique pieces have attracted the commissioned interest of various art appreciators around the world, including entrepreneurs, celebrities, politicians and institutions. One of her most notable, and consistent, professional relationships involve Formula 1 heavy hitters like McLaren, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. Exhibited in both art galleries and supercar showrooms, many of her works serve as a reminder to the audience that plenty of opportunities reside in the midst of adversity — a message that any gearhead can certainly relate to. 

At a recent exhibition held in collaboration with online furniture retailer CUURA Space, Karwai showcased the close marriage between Nordic-inspired designs and the romance of Valentine’s Day with her latest series entitled Cupid Rhapsody: Way Back To Love, centred around the theme of cupids exploring the many ways in which love can take shape and form. In celebration of this latest endeavour, the self-taught artist graciously sat down with us and shared more about her journey in the art world, from past projects and its significant meanings to future ones tagged with a galaxy full of hopes and dreams. 

The name Karwai Chan is synonymous with artistry that’s related to supercars and the Formula 1 brand. How did you get started? 

In my youthful days, I devoted myself to painting commissioned pieces, driven by the desire to acquire funds for canvases and colours to chase my dreams as an artist. I even dabbled in modelling and commercial photography to sustain myself and afford my beloved paints. It was serendipitous that I found myself inundated with an increasing number of commissions, predominantly focusing on portraits, cars and racers. Initially, I painted mechanically, lacking emotional connection. However, with each brushstroke, I found myself delving deeper into the world of racing and automobiles, gradually unravelling their essence and capturing it on canvas. 

Whilst on the subject, how do you get involved in this supercars/Formula 1 collaboration? 

I consistently share my finished artworks on social media, and I feel incredibly fortunate that these pieces caught the attention of supercar enthusiasts and the official Formula One Group. It was a stroke of luck when McLaren reached out to collaborate with me. I painted a Japanese wave design on one of their cars; the result was a stunning creation resembling a porcelain art car which garnered significant media attention both domestically and internationally. It seems that Formula 1 has taken notice of my work, as they extended an invitation for me to paint live during one of their events. 

Personally, what type of art is your forte?

In my youth, I undertook numerous commission works for collectors, with portraits dominating my repertoire. This focus on portraiture honed my skills in precision and detail, transitioning my style from realism to surrealism as I matured in my artistic journey. Even within surrealism, I maintained a meticulous approach, infusing intricate details into my works. I developed a profound affinity for surrealism as it allowed me to delve deeper into self-expression, weaving my personal narrative, emotions and perspectives into each painting with unparalleled freedom. 

We noticed that you also dabble in unconventional art such as the Superheroes series. What is the muse behind this? 

Superheroes: Redefined is a salute, to fighters, lionhearts, to all superheroes. This collection comprises a spark of fresh creativity commemorating my strength, and breakthrough, from the ordeal of being a victim of bullying during childhood. I allow my emotions to take me on a cruise as I let my natural forte capture the very essence of life’s challenging moments with intense emotions linked to them. My playful notion of incorporating neon and glow-in-the-dark paint, used to write hidden messages visible only under UV light, makes the collection all the more modern and edgy which makes each piece a true one-of-a-kind.

What do you think is the one art piece that shot you to fame?

Actually, I’m not entirely sure, but I think you’re referring to my artwork titled ‘Man Wonder Woman.’ It features Wonder Woman whose head is covered by a red plastic bag and she’s wearing a Victoria’s Secret branded suit, adopting the pose of the Mona Lisa against the same backdrop as that of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. The meaning behind this painting is twofold. First, the daughter of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons, represents women warriors founded on sisterhood and female empowerment.

Secondly, Wonder Woman is the most beautiful superhero, as everyone knows, her beauty symbolised by the aforementioned logo on her suit which stands for a brand well-known for such products. However, many overlook her strength. Through the red plastic bag covering her face, I want to convey the message: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Look beyond appearances and recognise the inner beauty within, as reinforced with the hidden words, “A shallow mind, shadow inner beauty.”

What is your aspiration for 2024?

As an artist, my aspiration for 2024 is to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity and expanding my artistic horizons. I aim to delve deeper into experimenting with different mediums, techniques and styles to further develop my unique voice and perspective.

Currently, I’m pursuing collaborations similar to the one I had with McLaren, where I had the opportunity to paint on their car which I find great joy in doing. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a meaningful impact through my art, sparking dialogues, fostering connections and contributing to the cultural landscape in a positive and enriching way.

Additionally, I aim to engage more with the government and community, both within the art world and beyond, by participating in collaborations, exhibitions and outreach projects that inspire and provoke thought. I hope to promote and improve the art scene in Malaysia and also discover and appreciate more Malaysian artists. On that note, I am advocating for a well-guided art education that begins from a young age in schools.

What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind? 

I’ve never thought about it in this way before. If I truly aim to leave a lasting legacy, I hope that people will remember my artworks and the profound meanings they convey, rather than remembering me personally. My art serves as a vessel through which I express my innermost thoughts, emotions and perspectives, and if it resonates with others and leaves a lasting impact, then I believe I have accomplished something meaningful in this world. 

What is your advice to young artists who are coming up in the world? 

I don’t offer advice, as I’m still on a learning journey myself and consider myself a self-taught artist. However, I can share my experiences and what I’ve learned along the way. It’s crucial to keep learning and exploring, and to never give up, even though the path of a full-time artist can be challenging. Never stop seeking out opportunities for growth, and stay true to your artistic vision. Have faith in yourself, knowing that you’ve tried your best and have no regrets. Share your artwork on social media platforms. In the past, artists were often tied to galleries and paid hefty commissions. Now, we have the opportunity to pursue both avenues — working with galleries and showcasing our work online.